The effect of occupationally-related low back pain on functional activities among male manual workers in a construction company in Cape Town, South Africa

This study determined the prevalence as well as the effect of occupationally-related low back pain on the functional activities of workers in a construction company in Cape Town. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey using a validated questionnaire was carried out. The questionnaire comprising demographic data, low back pain symptoms information, functional limitations scale and the participation restriction scale was used as a closed ended interview guide. Workers suffered physical, emotional, fi nancial and functional problems with 41.5% reporting sickness absence. Lifting and bending were the most affected activities associated to low back pain (p<0.05) while walking/running, recreational activities and carrying out of everyday tasks were among the restricted activities. The one year prevalence of low back pain was 25%, comparable with that of developed countries. Occupationally-related low back pain is a challenge among construction workers which they perceive to cause serious functional activity limitation. All stakeholders must be procured for the prevention and management of occupationally-related low back pain in order to prevent functional activity limitations among construction workers. Physiotherapists should raise the levels of awareness and monitor construction activities on site in order to prevent disability at primary level.Department of HE and Training approved lis

The effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities among manual workers in construction companies

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition and one of the most common causes of disability in the world. The disability resulting from low back pain continues to plague the construction industry leading to absenteeism and early retirement among construction manual workers. PURPOSE: The aim of the review was to explore global literature concerning the effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities among manual workers in construction companies. METHOD: A retrospective search of articles published from January 2000 to April 2010. The following electronic data bases, Google Scholar, Academic search premier, CINAHL, ERIC, Health source-consumer Edition, Health source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Master FILE Premier, MEDLINE, MLA Directory of Periodicals, Science direct, MLA International Bibliography, Pre-CiNAHL and PubMed were individually searched using specifically developed search strategies. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool and was done by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: The search yielded eleven articles of sound quality. There is evidence that a high percentage of construction workers suffer permanent disability and fail to return to work forcing them to go into early retirement due to occupational related low back pain. The cohort studies have shown that poor performance, reduction in productivity, restrictions on usual activity and participation and incurring high medical costs all pose a challenge to construction manual workers and their employers as a result of occupational related low back. CONCLUSION: The findings support that occupational related low back pain is a challenge among construction manual workers causing serious disability. Further well designed research in Africa into the most effective strategies to prevent and manage occupational related low back pain among construction manual workers is needed

Challenges and opportunities related to postgraduate evidence-based practice module using blended learning

The use of information and communications technology (ICT) has become integral to health professions education worldwide. The incorporation of online facilities and maintaining of the face-to-face element make blended learning the ‘best of both worlds’. Blogs can be used to create a relatively learner-centred environment that allows students to learn at their own pace. Though blended learning has been proved to be appropriate in higher learning institutions, it comes with challenges and opportunities. Our study intended to highlight the challenges and identify opportunities encountered by an evidencebased practice (EBP) postgraduate class who used the blended learning model of learning. An action-based research methodology was utilised in this study. This involved data gathering, action planning, action taking and action evaluation. Data were gathered through the use of a blog that was accessed by all participants. They made comments which were reflecting their perceptions on the model that was used for the course. The students gave consent to participate while permission from the physiotherapy head of department was also acquired. Deductive analysis was used for data analysis. The information from the blog was extracted and converted into text files. Coding and analysis into opportunities and challenges as expressed by the participants was performed. Theoretical saturation through every reviewer’s agreement and satisfaction about the information was included. The data consisted of 94 postings made of primary postings (22) and responses (72). All the authors acted as reviewers. Certainty was achieved by discussing any ambiguity in coding. Any necessary amendments were made. The participants reported to have experienced some challenges pertaining to blended learning. The blog that was used as a media between students and the facilitator was inefficient in some way. Some students could not access it when required and some resources in the blog were inaccessible. The wireless internet connection mainly used in this model was not reliable. However, there were opportunities experienced by the learners. These included easy interaction between the learners and the facilitator at any time. The model also reduced instructor dependence and made the learners more responsible of their work. The blog appeared as a resource base for skills development. Timely feedback involving solving the problems students encountered during the course improved the communication skills between the students and the facilitator. However, technology constraints involving the blog and the internet connection were overwhelming among the students while writing up the tasks allocated to them. Despite the fact that students faced some challenges, facilitators of blended learning such as the interaction between the students and the facilitator of the course were motivating to keep the course interesting. While students experienced some opportunities about blended learning, its future rests on averting the challenges associated with it more, especially in developing countries. If the challenges reported would be addressed in developing countries, blended learning can be effective in building students’ engagement and relieving of overcrowded classrooms in higher learning institutions