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BACKGROUND: The Return-to-Work Assessment Scale (RAS) was developed in 2021 by Ibikunle et al. to assess return to work among post stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe how the conceptual (flag model and ICF) and theoretical framework (C-OAR-SE) were used in developing the RAS. METHOD: The development of the RAS consisted of three phases: (i) Initial item generation (ii) face and content validity (iii) Psychometric testing. With each phase embracing the flag model, international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) and the C-OAR-SE an acronym for the six aspects of the theory: ‘C’ [construct definition], ‘OAR’ [object representation, attribute classification, and rater entity identification], and ‘SE’ [selection of item type and answer scale, as well as, enumeration. RESULTS: A triangulated approach drawn on three separate theories and models. Phase one was developed by using the Flag model which provided the semi structured open ended questions that materialized into the draft instrument while phases two and three were developed using the ICF and the C-OAR-SE. The scale consists of two sections, A and B. Section A comprises general information about post-stroke survivors, which would not be scored, while section B includes three parts that are important to consider when deciding to return to work. CONCLUSION: An instrument called RAS was developed, an excellent, internally consistent, as well as reliable tool that has demonstrated good group and structural validity.

Background: Awareness of activities that may result in low back pain (LBP) among adolescents is fundamental in preventing adulthood LBP. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate adolescents' knowledge, attitude, and perception of LBP and activities that may prevent LBP in Kano, North-western, Nigeria.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 400 school-going adolescents recruited using a multistage random sampling technique. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test with 0.05 set as level of significance. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 16.0±1.50 years. LBP annual prevalence was 34.2%, with more girls (31.1%) reporting having LBP compared to boys (28.4%). More than half (59.3%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of LBP and activities that may prevent it. However, they had a good attitude (63%) and perception (74%) of LBP and activities that may prevent it. There was no significant association of levels of knowledge, attitude, and perception of LBP and activities that may prevent LBP with gender, age, and class of study (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Adolescents in Kano, North-western Nigeria had poor knowledge of LBP and activities that may prevent it. Therefore, there is a need to embark on an LBP prevention program among adolescents in Kano, North-western Nigeria. Keywords: Low back pain; prevention; adolescents; knowledge; attitude; perception.

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), representing an array of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting the muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, peripheral nerves, and supporting blood vessels are widespread in many countries. The huge burden of MSDs have necessitated innovative approaches such as digital health interventions, however, no study has evaluated the findings of cost-effectiveness of these interventions. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to synthesise the cost-effectiveness of digital health interventions for people with MSDs METHODS Electronic databases including Medline, AMED, CIHAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Centre for Review and Dissemination were searched for cost-effectiveness of digital health published between inception to June 2022 following the PRISMA guideline. References of all retrieved articles were checked for relevant studies. The quality appraisal of the included studies was done using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Results were presented using a narrative synthesis and random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Ten studies from six countries met the inclusion criteria. The average percent of CHEERS checklist items reported was 70.4%. Included studies were on non-specific chronic low back pain (n = 4), chronic pain (n = 2), knee and hip osteoarthritis (n = 3) and Fibromyalgia (n = 1). The economic perspectives adopted in the included studies were societal (n = 4), societal and healthcare (n = 3) and healthcare (n = 3). Of the ten included studies 5 (50%) of them used quality-adjusted life years as the outcome measures. Except one study, all the included studies reported that digital health interventions were cost effective compared to the control group. In a random effects meta-analysis (n = 2), the pooled disability and QALY were (-0.176 95% CI -0.317 to -0.035, p = 0.014) and (3.855 95% CI 2.023 to 5.687, p < 0. 001), respectively. The meta-analysis (n = 2) for the costs were in favour of the digital health intervention compared to control (-$417.52 95% CI -522.01 to – 313.03). CONCLUSIONS Studies indicate that digital health interventions are cost-effective for people with MSDs. The findings suggest that digital health intervention could help improve access to treatment for patients with MSDs and as a result improving their health outcomes. Clinicians and policy makers should consider the use of these interventions for patients with MSDs.

Objective: To identify and describe the mechanisms of lifestyle characteristics—obesity, DM, hypertension and physical inactivity—that may lead to the severity of illness among individuals with COVID-19. Data Source: A scoping review was conducted by searching electronic databases of PubMed and Scopus from December 2019 to August 2020. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: inclusion criteria were studies that explicitly describe the mechanism of COVID—19 in relationship with either hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM), obesity and/or physical inactivity. Studies of epidemiological background, descriptive surveys and interventional studies were excluded. Data Extraction: study characteristics were tabulated according to purpose, type of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the hypothesis on the mechanism of infestation (MOI) and conclusion. Data Synthesis: NCDs were categorized according to type and hypothesis on mechanisms of infestation. The interplay between COVID—19, type of NCDs and MOI leading to the severity of the disease was appraised. Results: Twenty-four (24) studies were identified from 357 unique records. Eight studies postulated the mechanism of infestation and interaction between COVID 19 illness severity and Obesity, while 7 studies described COVID—19 and DM. Five studies highlighted the interaction between COVID—19 and hypertension with 4 studies showing how physical activity restriction suppresses immunity. Conclusion: The current review, identified and explicitly described the mechanisms of the lifestyle characteristics that may increase the severity of illness among people with COVID-19.

BackgroundOver the last 30 years, South Africa has experienced four ‘colliding epidemics’ of HIV and tuberculosis, chronic illness and mental health, injury and violence, and maternal, neonatal, and child mortality, which have had substantial effects on health and well-being. Using data from the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD 2019), we evaluated national and provincial health trends and progress towards important Sustainable Development Goal targets from 1990 to 2019.MethodsWe analysed GBD 2019 estimates of mortality, non-fatal health loss, summary health measures and risk factor burden, comparing trends over 1990–2007 and 2007–2019. Additionally, we decomposed changes in life expectancy by cause of death and assessed healthcare system performance.ResultsAcross the nine provinces, inequalities in mortality and life expectancy increased over 1990–2007, largely due to differences in HIV/AIDS, then decreased over 2007–2019. Demographic change and increases in non-communicable diseases nearly doubled the number of years lived with disability between 1990 and 2019. From 1990 to 2019, risk factor burdens generally shifted from communicable and nutritional disease risks to non-communicable disease and injury risks; unsafe sex remained the top risk factor. Despite widespread improvements in healthcare system performance, the greatest gains were generally in economically advantaged provinces.ConclusionsReductions in HIV/AIDS and related conditions have led to improved health since 2007, though most provinces still lag in key areas. To achieve health targets, provincial governments should enhance health investments and exchange of knowledge, resources and best practices alongside populations that have been left behind, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supplemental Material, sj-docx-1-ahp-10.1177_0890117121990518 for COVID-19: Are Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors for Its Severity? by Bashir Bello and Ushotanefe Useh in American Journal of Health Promotion

Background Pregnancy results in many changes, including reduced hand grip strength (HGS). However, good HGS is required for physical functions such as carrying and breastfeeding the baby after birth. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that may predict HGS during pregnancy. Methods The study was a cross-sectional study approved by the Research Ethics Committees of Kano State Ministry of Health and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, north-west, Nigeria. Pregnant women at the designated hospitals were included in the study if they had no serious comorbidities or any known neurological condition that affects the hands and the neck. Demographic characteristics and independent (predictor) variables (age, weight, height, BMI, maternity leave status, number of full-term deliveries, number of preterm deliveries, number of live births, number of abortuses, gravidity, trimester, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, inter arm systolic BP difference [IASBP], inter arm diastolic BP difference [IADBP], and heart rate) of each of the participants were recorded by experienced therapists. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and standard multiple regression. Result One hundred and sixty-one pregnant women with mean age, 25.04 ± 4.83 years participated in the study. In the dominant hand, 120 participants (74.5%) had weak grip strength. In the non-dominant hand, 135 participants (83.9%) had weak grip strength. For the dominant hand, the total variance explained by the whole model was significant, 28.5%, F(11, 161) = 1.187, R2 = 0.081, p = 0.300 . In the final model, none of the variables significantly predicted HGS. However, systolic blood pressure contributed to the model more than any other variable (Beta = -0.155). For the non-dominant hand, the total variance explained by the whole model was not significant, 33.1%, F(11, 161) = 1.675, R2 = 0.111, p = 0.089 . In the final model, only systolic blood pressure (Beta = -0.254, p = 0.023) significantly predicted hand grip strength. Conclusion Cardiovascular events or changes during pregnancy (such as change in systolic blood pressure) may be related to HGS in pregnant women. It is therefore, important for clinicians to pay attention to this, in planning rehabilitation strategies for pregnant women.

Purpose and Significance: Education is regarded as the key to economic development, and COVID-19 has provided all universities the unique opportunity to urgently address their fitness for purpose. Universities can play a significant role in contributing to a more sustainable world by mainstreaming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at postgraduate levels. The opportunity to utilize United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as the framework for postgraduate projects in solving real world’s challenges in our communities after the COVID-19 pandemic was explored. Main Body: One way of ensuring concomitant attainments of the SDGs with community development is that post-COVID-19 postgraduate projects should be purposively driven to address UN SDGs to make positive social impact in our communities. Through this, higher education institutions (HEIs) will be contributing in no little measures to human capital and social development with sustainable developments driven through interdisciplinary approach. Conclusion: The research products upon the completion of master’s and doctoral studies from our different universities should be purposively designed in accordance with the UN SDGs and universities’ visions to solve real-life challenges and therefore make social impacts in our communities. All HEIs should embrace an integrated approach by designing courses with learning objectives that are clearly focused on holistic approaches to sustainable societal development.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in communities across the world and their impact is affecting people in almost all occupational settings. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders among urban dwellers, Kano metropolis. Method: A total of 206 participants were recruited using a stratified sampling technique in a cross-sectional survey. The data was collected using a standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to measure work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity levels of the participants. Results: The results showed that the majority of the participants (63.9%) were males and 36.9% were females between the ages of 18 and 65 years, with the majority of them between 18 and 34 years, singles and self-employed. Also, the majority of the participants had moderate physical activity levels, normal body mass index and low risk of cardiovascular diseases using the waist to hip ratio classifications. About 78.2% of the participants reported 12-month musculoskeletal disorders while 37.4% reported 7-day musculoskeletal disorders. Low back was the most common site affected by 45.6% of the respondents. Also, the result showed no significant relationship between 12-month musculoskeletal disorder and BMI, physical activity level and waist/hip ratio but a relationship between 7 Days musculoskeletal disorder and BMI, physical activity level and waist/hip ratio. Conclusion: It was concluded that there was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among urban community dwellers in Kano metropolis, with low back pain the most reported while upper back has the least prevalence. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: There was a high prevalence of WMSD among the general populace irrespective of the sociodemographic affiliations. Lower back was the most reported anatomical site among our participants. Men had a higher number of WMSD than women. There was an association between WMSD and WHR and BMI. Excess weight management might be helpful especially in individuals with high BMI and WHR.

Globally, chronic diseases of lifestyle account for millions of dollars spent annually on health. These diseases share similar risk factors including: physical inactivity, obesity, cigarette smoking, and hypertension among others. This study sought to assess risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle of a rural community in South Africa. This study used a survey design with data randomly collected using the WHO STEPS Instrument for Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance from participants who attended routine checks from February to October 2018 from a trained healthcare practitioner. Informed consent was sought from all participants before the administration of the instrument. The research setting was the community Primary Health Center. About 54.0% of participants presented with no family history of hypertension but 19.7% had a family history of type II diabetes mellitus. More women were found to be hypertensive, with the majority (93.4%) monitoring their blood pressure. The study revealed that more men were current smokers. A large number of participants were engaged in a sedentary lifestyle with about one-third of the participants reported being obese. Physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and hypertension were among the lifestyle-related risk factors for chronic diseases among residents of this rural community.

Background. Association football, otherwise known as soccer, is the most popular sport in the world. The increase in the popularity of the game and the expectations from players make injury risk in football high. Objective. To describe the types, severity, prevalence and mechanism of injuries among professional footballers in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL). Methods. The Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Injury Study Questionnaire was used for data collection. A total of 240 footballers from 11 clubs, who participated in the 2011/2012 NPL premiership season, was selected through proportionate stratified random sampling technique, and the participants were studied using a prospective cohort study design for 6 months. Descriptive statistics of means, percentages and frequency distributions were used to answer the research questions. Results. The mean (standard deviation) age, height and weight of the injured footballers was 22.9 (3.4) years, 1.69 (0.05) m and 71.3 (3.9) kg, respectively. There was a high injury prevalence (78%) associated with actual league games, whereas the incidence rate per 1 000-hour exposure was 300.2 exposure-hours from 19 games within 6 months. Sprain (32%) was the predominant type of injury recorded. The tackle event (34%) was the predominant mechanism of injury recorded, and 63% of the injuries led to 1 - 3 days of player absence from football activities. Most of the injuries were recurrent injuries (63%). Conclusion. This study showed a high occurrence of injuries in the NPL, in particular associated with league (competitive) games. The findings of this study will serve to guide the development and implementation of injury prevention strategies in the NPL.

This study assessed the risk of back and neck pain and its ergonomic implications on workers in a University setting in South Africa. The designs for this study were both cross-sectional descriptive survey and observational study. A total of 53 academic and administrative employees participated in this study. The mean age ± SD of participants was 46.45±8.31. The minimum age was 32 and maximum was 64 years old. About 71% of the female participants were at a high risk of sustaining back injuries. There was however no significant association between gender of participant and risk of sustaining back injury (p= 0.87). Administrators recorded the highest level of high risk of sustaining back injury, while lectures reported the highest level of medium risk of sustaining back pain at work. About 53% of respondent fall within the medium level of risk, another 26% were within the high level of risk. Administrators presented within the highest risk level of 41.2% in sustaining back injury. There was also no significant relationship between jobs and risk of sustaining back injuries (p=0.382). More females presented with medium to high risk of sustaining back injuries. Overall, the risk of sustaining back and neck pain amongst university employees was found to be medium to high. Gender was found to have no significant influence on the risk of sustaining back and neck injuries. Low back pain was also found to be common across the jobs, with adminstrators presenting higher risk by disciplines.

Lack of adequate knowledge might be a factor in MTCT of HIV/AIDS since breastfeeding has been implicated as the most common mode of transmission. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowl...

Learning in the clinical practice is an important component of nursing education considering that nursing is practice-based profession. The importance of clinical practice cannot be overemphasized ...

This paper sought to establish the extent to which the rural allowance for health professionals has had the desired effect of retaining these professionals at the selected hospitals in the rural an...

The study sought to identify the long term plans of graduating physiotherapy students from a Nigerian university. Eighty-four graduating students participated in this study. Sample of convenience w...

This study sought to investigate the socio-cultural competences that could be considered for inclusion in Physiotherapy education. Also investigated are the skills required to functions as physioth...

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of physiotherapy on HRQoL of patient with arthritis. The design for this study was a prospective survey design. The EuroQol tool was used to collect d...

Background: Supervised clinical practice plays a significant role in the nursing profession, as it has an influence on the students’ clinical learning. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore how the pre-registration nursing students find their experience on clinical supervision in the clinical placements. Methods: The study used both quantitative and qualitative approach to collect data through focus groups (n = 144) and self-administered questionnaires (n = 590) from nursing students of various programmes in selected colleges in Malawi. Results: About 75% (n = 443) of the participants indicated that they received supervision from both clinical staff and Nurse Educator. However, qualitative results indicated that students received inadequate clinical supervision. Themes that emerged from the discussion included lack of human resources, learning support, availability of instructors yet not supporting learning, job insecurity and lack of remuneration as reasons for lack of supervision, role models and student guidance despite pressure and self-directed. Conclusion: There is a need for clear policies regarding clinical supervision as well as a structured and well monitored process.

Background and purpose: Depression has been found to be associated with pain and poor physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis though it is not sufficiently documented in Nigeria. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship among pain, depression and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis in Ibadan. Methods: Eighty individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were screened for depression using the mood/ depression assessment questionnaire. Depression, physical function and pain were assessed by Becks Depression Inventory, Ibadan Knee Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure and Modified Visual Analogue Scale respectively. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test and linear regression (alpha level set at 0.05). Results: Screening for depression was positive in 28.8% of patients aged 62.69 ± 5.96 years. There were significant correlations between physical function and each of pain intensity (r=-0.659) and depression (r = - 0.660) and between pain intensity and depression (r= 0.611). Negative linear relationship exist between physical function and each of pain (R2=0.434), depression (R2=0.436). A positive linear relationship exists between pain intensity and depression (R2=0.374).Conclusion: About a quarter of patients with knee osteoarthritis had depression. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis who had higher levels of pain were more depressed and had lower level of physical function.

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.This paper evaluated and reviewed selected indigenous African sports of physical skills, their socio-cultural and the historical similarities. Attempt was made to channel a course for the sports scientists towards the development and growth of traditional African sports. This was a historical research with literature review of historical, anthropological, and sports texts, journals and published proceedings of sports events in Africa. The findings revealed similarities in the historical background of the Africans, despite the diversity of the ethnicity in the continent. Also revealed were similarities in vocations, cultures, environment and the indigenous sports of physical skills amongst Africans. Materials reviewed revealed that the sports scientists were not involved in the scientific development of indigenous African sports of physical skills. The African sports scientists and administrators should strive to identify what is beneficial and entertaining and sieve this from what is hazardous and still attempt to maintain the cultural heritage of the Africans.本文旨在探討南非的歷史背境、地理環境及職業文化等社會元素對本土運動發展的影嚮，並試從運動科研的層面，分析各種因素。初步資料顯示出運動科研參與本土運動的發展不高，本文作者又倡議當地運動政策主管人，應該尋找出一套有利發展本土運動的方案。

Background: The increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in low- and medium-income countries has a negative impact on overall health. Correct perception of one’s body weight is a step in seeking healthy help toward weight reduction in overweight and obese individuals. Objective: This study was carried out to assess the body weight misperception and dissatisfaction among overweight and obese adults in an urban African setting. Methods: This study was part of a larger cross-sectional study that was designed to plan an intervention for overweight and obese adults in an urban African setting. For this study, we randomly selected only overweight and obese adults (≥18 years old) who consented to participate in the study from 15 enumeration areas in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. We followed the World Health Organization guidelines for conducting community surveys in recruiting overweight and obese participants. We assessed body weight perception and dissatisfaction through their responses to the following: “How do you describe your weight?” and “I feel bad about myself because of my weight.” Data for this study were collected between November 2012 and March 2013. Results: We recruited 567 participants, of whom more than half (n=304, 53.6%) misperceived their weight as either underweight or normal weight, and 61.2% (n=186) of whom were women. The strength of agreement between the actual body mass index and weight perception was very poor (κ=.032, SE .015, P=.04). The strongest predictor of weight perception was sex (female) with an odds ratio of 1.63 (95% CI 1.13-2.35). About 41.1% (n=233) of the participants were dissatisfied with their weight, of whom 30.0% (n=70) were men. Age (young adult) was a predictor of weight dissatisfaction with an odds ratio of 2.37 (95% CI 1.62-3.46). Conclusions: More than half of the participants misperceived their body weight as either underweight or normal weight, and the majority of them were women. More men were not happy with their body weight, and participants in the young adult age group were more dissatisfied with their body weight. [JMIR Public Health Surveill 2017;3(3):e56]

To evaluate accessibility of wheelchairs into public buildings in the central business district of Harare, Zimbabwe and to identify architectural barriers faced by wheelchair users in public buildings.This was a descriptive study of 20 public buildings in the Harare business district of Zimbabwe. Wheelchair accessibility was determined on a point scale based on specifications provided. Descriptive statistics of simple percentages and means were used to determine the level of compliance to the guidelines of the instrument, and wheelchair accessibility to the surveyed buildings.Of the various items surveyed, elevators recorded the highest average accessibility (83% compliance), while parking areas recorded the lowest average of 18%. The compliance score of ramps was 39%, while entrances were 71% compliant. Wheelchair accessibility to toilets was 51%.The poor compliance score for items such as parking areas, and ramps for wheelchair users is probably because the physically challenged persons and experts in the area of physical ability management are not consulted and involved in the design and construction of these buildings. High compliance of entrances and toilets may be purely coincidental and not for meeting the needs of wheelchair users. To improve on the wheelchair accessibility in public buildings, there should be liaison between the users the disabled, and various professionals (the occupational therapists, physiotherapists, politicians, engineers and architects). The findings of this study indicate a great challenge to the aforementioned professionals. Recommendations were made to increase wheelchair accessibility to public buildings.

Objective: To investigate the association between the three anatomical factors of Q-angle (QA), pelvic width (PW) and Intercondylar notch width (INW) and knee injuries among the U-23 female soccer players of South Africa Methods: The study is a case-control prospective study design. Twenty four U-23 women soccer players of the South African team were purposively chosen to participate in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: group1 (Case) was those with knee injuries, while those without injuries were in group-2 (Control). PW and INW were measured after Xrays of the hip were taken while the QA was measured manually with the goniomenter. Association between anatomical factors and knee injuries were tested with ANOVA. Results: Q-angle ranged from 140 to 180 for both injured and non injured groups. PW was between 24 -29 cm for both injured and non injured groups. INW was between 1.3mm and 2.8mm for the right and between 1.4mm and 2.5mm for the left notch for the injured group, while INW for the right and left of the non injured group were between 1.7mm to 2.1mm and 1.8mm to 2.1mm, respectively No significant association between knee injuries and each of the anatomical factors was found QA (p= 0.74), PW (p=0.34), INW (right and left respectively) (p=0.142 & p=0.089). Conclusion: The three anatomical factors of QA, PW and INW could not be used to predict knee injuries amongst the U-23 female players in South Africa. Keywords: Pelvic width; Q-Angle; Intercondylar Notch Width; Female Soccer; Knee Injuries

This study described the learning experiences of physiotherapy students during the 2009 comrades marathon. A quali-tative approach using focus group discussions was employed for this study.The population for this study was all the 43 B.Sc. physiotherapy final year students of the university of limpopo, who provided physio-therapy services at the 2009 comrades Marathon. forty (93%) students participated in this study. All the participants were black with majo-rity 23 (58%) of them from the limpopo province. Twenty one (52%) of the participants were females with ages ranging between 21 and 30 years. The field trip provided both sport specific and general learning experiences. participants had the opportunity to handle sports injuries and athletes, work and learn as a team and were quite independent. This trip also provided participants the opportunity experiencing workplace communication and interaction, the reality of the real workplace experience of heavy workload, experience of prejudice, time management and an unsafe environment.Despite organizational challenges of the trip, the event provided an opportunity for the participants to practice sport physiotherapy. Participants appreciated the opportunity to experience the dynamics of team and collaborative learning. To ensure effective use of this event for experiential learning, it is recommended that proper guidance and support be provided by the faculty.

Background: Burnout syndrome in health care workers is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long-term involvement in high-stress situations. Burnout is regarded as the result of chronic stress that has not been successfully addressed. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, patterns and comparison of the different stages of burnout syndrome amongst various health care professionals. Materials and Methods: Total of 280 health care professionals comprising 55 doctors, 165 nurses, three physiotherapists, five radiographers and 52 medical laboratory scientists participated in the survey. Participants were chosen using a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) .The data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations, and inferential statistics (ANOVA). Significance was set at 95%. Results: The results reveals that burnout (EE-emotional exhaustion, DP-depersonalisation, PA-personal accomplishment) occurred in the following order, medical lab scientist (EE 33.85, DP:14.83, PA:21.77), nurses (EE:30.81, DP:12.80,PA:27.81), doctors (EE:25.47, DP:9.87, PA:31.64), radiographers (EE:16.8, DP:7.6, PA:36.2), physiotherapist (EE:8.67, DP:4.33, PA:37.68). There was significant difference in all the stages of burnout ( P Conclusion: Health care organisations need to acknowledge that those who work in the health care profession may need help to cope with the stress and burnout that are often associated with such practice. Efforts to alleviate burnout among health care professionals will have positive effect on health care service delivery.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV and AIDS among teenagers in rural schools in Vhembe district. This study focused on teenagers’ sources of knowledge about HIV/AIDS; their knowledge of how to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS; their knowledge of the methods of transmission of the disease; their knowledge of condoms and usage levels; and people with whom they are comfortable to talk about HIV/AIDS. This was a quantitative descriptive research design where a random sample of 128 participants between the ages of 14 and 19 years was selected. The participants were in grades 8 to 12. The study recommended that holistic HIV/AIDS preventive programmes which were culture and gender sensitive be developed. Custodians of culture should be involved in dealing with HIV/AIDS. Parents should also play their role in discussing HIV/AIDS with their children in a non-threatening environment.

OBJECTIVE To compare the accessibility to wheelchair users of public buildings built pre and post the International Year of the Disabled Persons (1981) in Harare central business district in Zimbabwe. DESIGN A case study. SETTING Harare central business district. SUBJECTS 20 public buildings with at least two floors open to all users in the central business district of Harare, Zimbabwe. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Wheelchair accessibility of public buildings. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the median percentage compliance of parking areas (p = 0.546), ramps (p = 0.155) and toilets (p = 0.648) between the buildings built before the International Year of the Disabled Persons (IYDP) and those built after the IYDP. The overall median compliance of parking areas, ramps and toilets was 14% (Q1 = 14, Q3 = 21), 54% (Q1 = 43, Q3 = 62) and 45% (Q1 = 31.5, Q3 = 70), respectively. However, there was some evidence (p = 0.067) to suggest that compliance of entrances was better IYDP [median = 100% (Q1 = 90, Q3 = 100)] than pre IYDP [median = 80% (Q1 = 70, Q3 = 100)]. Meanwhile there was a significant difference in the median percentage compliance of elevators (p = 0.014) between pre[median = 90% (Q1 = 80, Q3 = 90)] and post [median = 100% (Q1 = 100, Q3 = 100)] IYDP. CONCLUSION Overall compliance was poor. It is recommended that people with disabilities and the experts in the area of physical ability management be consulted and involved in the design and construction of these buildings.