Research articles (Dept of Environmental Health)
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/242
2024-03-29T04:48:44ZPredictors of smoking among primary and secondary school students in Botswana
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1741
Predictors of smoking among primary and secondary school students in Botswana
Mbongwe, Bontle; Tapera, Roy; Phaladze, Nthabiseng; Lord, Andrew; Zetola, Nicola M.
This study seeks to determine the prevalence and risk factors for smoking among students aged 12±18 years in two cities in Botswana. Using a sample of 2554 students we adapted the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) methodology to assess students' smoking practices, knowledge, beliefs and attitudes. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with smoking. The results revealed that 10% of students were current
tobacco smokers with 29% reporting having tried smoking. Self-image and acceptance by peers were the strongest predictors of smoking overall (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 3.13, 95%, Confidence Interval [CI]: 2.67±3.66). Intention to smoke or to continue to smoke and perceived norms in conformity with smoking were also independently associated with smoking (aOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 167±2.11 and aOR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10±1.57, respectively). Perceived prevalence and exposure to smoking by peers and family and access to tobacco products was stronger among females (aOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.52±1.91) compared to males (aOR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.70±1.24). Our results indicate that anti-tobacco interventions in Botswana should prioritize intra-personal factors associated with smoking. Our findings also suggest that different interventions targeting male and female students should be explored.
2017-04-17T00:00:00ZThe prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among University of Botswana students
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1739
The prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among University of Botswana students
Tapera, Roy; Merapelo, Marogwe Thato; Tumoyagae, Tshephang; Maswabi, Titus M.; Erick, Patience; Letsholo, Baemedi; Mbongwe, Bontle
Overweight and Obesity are diseases with multiple causes that increase chances for developing health risks. Botswana is not an exemption from these conditions. This study was carried at the University of Botswana to find the possible causes of obesity and overweight and estimate the number of people with the condition. Students who wanted to participate were given a questionnaire to complete from five points at the University were students are found socializing. A total of 202 students answered the questionnaire and their height and weight were measured. A total of 36.8% students were overweight and obese. As people age they are likely to gain more weight. Sedentary lifestyle associated with aging also increases the risk of being overweight and obese. Unhealthy eating practices were found to be linked to overweight and obesity. Therefore modifying one’s lifestyle behaviors will work wonders in stopping or reversing these conditions
2017-07-20T00:00:00ZHeadspace solid phase microextraction in the determination of pesticides in water samples from the Okavango Delta with gas chromatography-electron capture detection and time-of-flight mass spectrometry
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/851
Headspace solid phase microextraction in the determination of pesticides in water samples from the Okavango Delta with gas chromatography-electron capture detection and time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Mmualefe, L.C.; Torto, N.; Huntsman-Mapila, P.; Mbongwe, B.
Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was optimized for the analysis of pesticides with gas
chromatography electron capture detection (GC-ECD) and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Factors influencing the extraction efficiency such as fiber type, extraction mode and temperature, effect of ionic strength, stirring and extraction time were evaluated. The lowest pesticide concentrations that could be detected in spiked aliquots after HS-SPME–GC-ECD ranged from 0.0005 to 0.0032 μg L−1. Consequently
hexachlorobenzene, trans-chlordane, 4,4′-DDD and 4,4′-DDE were detected in water samples after HS-SPME
at concentrations ranging from 2.4 to 61.4 μg L−1 that are much higher than the 0.1 μg L−1 maximum limit of
individual organochlorine pesticides in drinking water set by the European Community Directive. The same
samples were cleaned with ISOLUTE C18 SPE sorbent with an optimal acetone/n-hexane (1:1 v/v) mixture for
the elution of analytes. No pesticides were detected after SPE clean-up and pre-concentration. Precision for
both methods was satisfactory with relative standard deviations less than 20%. This work demonstrated the
superiority of HS-SPME as a sample clean-up and pre-concentration technique for pesticides in water
samples as well as the need to identify and control point sources of pesticides.
2009-01-01T00:00:00ZHealth worker opionion/perception of health services provided to patients in Selibe Phikwe Ni-Cu mine area, Botswana
http://hdl.handle.net/10311/425
Health worker opionion/perception of health services provided to patients in Selibe Phikwe Ni-Cu mine area, Botswana
Ekosse, G.; Jager, L.; Van den Heever, D.J.
This study determines the prevalence of types of sicknesses and diseases affecting patients vising health service facilities and the available health services within the Selebi Phikwe Ni-Cu area, Botswana.Through the administration of the questionnaires and structured questions, attempts were made to establish and verify the existing human health problems at the study area by focusing on respiratory tract related symptoms of sicknesses and diseases.With the aid of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), interpreted results from respondents indicated that all the health service providers served patients suffering from headaches, persistent coughing, chest pains, lower abdominal pains, pain when passing out urine, genital discharge and diarrhea.Seventy one percent of the health service providers indicated that their patients who suffered from recent loss of body weight, and another 86 % pointed out that their patients had influenza/common cold. Other health complaints reported included unusual spitting, shortness of breath, palpitations, neausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Moreover the health service providers indicated that they had patients who suffered from significant illnesses of which some passed away. However, if they are lacking facilities, patients are referred to bigger health service providers in the country. The findings of the study do not general depict demarcating differnces of health status of residents of the study area to those of the control site. A need therefore for further investigations to be conducted to establish relations of mining activities to human health at Selebi Phikwe is called for.
2005-01-01T00:00:00Z