Browsing by Subject "Niño"

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    Factors associated with elevated blood lead levels in inner city Cape Town children
    (1991) von Schirnding, Y E; Fuggle, R F; Bradshaw, D
    A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out to determine risk factors for childhood lead exposure. Blood lead levels of inner-city Sub A coloured children living in Woodstock were examined in relation to information obtained by questionnaire on environmental and social factors. The mean blood lead concentration of the population was 18 micrograms/dl. Thirteen per cent of children had blood lead levels greater than or equal to 25 micrograms/dl, the present USA 'action' level. Dusty homes and homes in a poor state of repair, over-crowding, low parental education and income, and other aspects related to family structure and socio-economic status, were associated with raised blood lead levels. It is suggested that social factors assume importance in predisposing children to lead in the environment. In particular, the over-crowded nature of the homes could have a direct bearing on the quality of the care-giving environment, providing opportunity for children's activities to go unsupervised. This could lead young children to be more exposed to accessible sources of lead associated with poor housing conditions. More attention needs to be given to examining the interaction of social and environmental factors in studies of childhood lead exposure.
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    Open Access
    Far fewer missed opportunities for immunisation in an integrated child health service
    (1993) Harrison, David; Barron, Peter; Glass, Belinda; Sonday, Shahim; van der Heyde, Yolande
    The mobile nature of the population of Kayelitsha makes it imperative that opportunities for immunisation of children are exploited at every visit to health services. Previous studies have demonstrated a high incidence of missed opportunities for immunisation at curative health services. The occurrence of undetected opportunities for immunisation are compared at two primary care institutions: one in which curative and preventive services are provided separately, and one in which these functions are integrated. Far fewer opportunities for immunisation were missed at the integrated service, underscoring the urgency of integrating child health services throughout the country.The mobile nature of the population of Kayelitsha makes it imperative that opportunities for immunisation of children are exploited at every visit to health services. Previous studies have demonstrated a high incidence of missed opportunities for immunisation at curative health services. The occurrence of undetected opportunities for immunisation are compared at two primary care institutions: one in which curative and preventive services are provided separately, and one in which these functions are integrated. Far fewer opportunities for immunisation were missed at the integrated service, underscoring the urgency of integrating child health services throughout the country.
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    Open Access
    The referral letter: a problem of communication
    (1991) Lachman, P I; Stander, I A
    This cross-sectional descriptive study assesses the letters sent with referred patients and makes appropriate recommendations. During the 6-month period 1 July-31 December 1987, 9288 letters were photocopied at the admissions offices of the hospital. Detailed analysis of 1143 (12,3%) letters was undertaken. The private sector, i.e. general practitioners, was the largest referral agency, followed by community-based day hospitals.This cross-sectional descriptive study assesses the letters sent with referred patients and makes appropriate recommendations. During the 6-month period 1 July-31 December 1987, 9288 letters were photocopied at the admissions offices of the hospital. Detailed analysis of 1143 (12,3%) letters was undertaken. The private sector, i.e. general practitioners, was the largest referral agency, followed by community-based day hospitals.