NuSpace

NuSpace is the official repository platform of the National University of Science and Technology that enables researchers in:

  • obtaining easy access to a wide range of academic materials,
  • promoting knowledge dissemination and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration.

Explore our repository to discover a wealth of knowledge across various disciplines.

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Communities in NuSpace

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 12

Recent Submissions

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Health effects associated with proximity to waste collection points in Beitbridge Municipality, Zimbabwe
(ELSEVIER, 2020-02-26) Nunu, W. N.; Munyai, O.
Population growth, urbanisation and economic development have led to the increasing generation of municipal solid waste while environmentally sustainable management remains a challenge the world over. This study sought to investigate health effects associated with proximity to waste collection points in Beitbridge Municipality, Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to compare the occurrence of disease among the residents living within different distances from the waste collection points (50 m, 100 m, 150 m, 200 m, 250 m, 300 m and above 300 m). A handheld GPS device was used to collect coordinates of the location for the purposes of mapping. The Fishers Exact test and the Multiple Logistic Regression model conducted (on STATA V 13 SE) to determine the association between different variables and the occurrence of health effects. Questionnaires were administered to 700 stratified randomly selected respondents. Five refuse collection points and spatial distribution of health conditions were mapped at Dulibadzimu high-density suburb. The overall response rate was 98% and females constituted the majority of respondents (58%). Most of these respondents were aged between 26 and 35 years of age and were involved in informal trading (35%). Reported health conditions were diarrhoea, dyspnoea, dry cough, eye irritation and asthma. Distance, waste collection point, level of education, nature of occupation and sex were significant contributors to the prevalence of health effects associated with exposure to waste. Exposure to waste is a serious health concern in Beitbridge. Local authority is encouraged to abolish these waste collection points and invest more on conventional waste management systems in partnership with different stakeholders.
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An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Behaviour Based Safety Initiative card system at a cement manufacturing company in Zimbabw
(2018) Nunu, W.N.; Kativhu, T.; Moyo, P.
Background: A behavior-based safety initiative card-issuing system was introduced at a cement manufacturing company in Zimbabwe in 2008 to try and curb accident occurrence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Behaviour Based Safety Initiative card system as a tool used for reducing accident frequencies. Methods: A mixed-method approach that involving administering piloted questionnaires to 40 out of 244 randomly selected employees, making observations, and reviewing secondary data were done to collect data from different sources in the organization in 2013. A paired t-test was conducted to test whether there was significant difference in accident occurrence before and after the implementation of the BBSI. Scatterplots were also used to establish the correlation between the issuance of cards and the accident and injury occurrence. Results: The findings suggest that the introduction of the card system brought a significant decrease in accident and injury occurrence. A negative correlation between card issuance and accident occurrence was observed, i.e., the greater the number of cards issued, the fewer the number of accidents. It was also noted that the card system positively influenced the mindset of workers towards safe work practices. Conclusion: The card system had an influence on the reduction of accidents and injuries. The organization should leverage on issuing more cards to further reduce the number of accidents and injuries to zero.
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Survey on prevalence of cataract in selected communities in Limpopo Province of South Africa
(Elsevier, 2020) Nunu, W.N.,; Ndou, N.D.; Manyange, B.S.; Ramakuela, N.J.; Manganye, B.S.; Tshivhase, S.E.; Mambanga, P.; Murwira, T.S.
Background: Over three-quarters of all blindness worldwide are preventable and usually caused by cataract. However data on the prevalence and risk factors about cataract are not always available in South Africa. This study sought to determine prevalence and factors associated with cataracts in selected communities in Limpopo Province of South Africa. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on respondents aged 18 years and above in selected villages of Vhembe District. Visual Acuity (VA) was evaluated at 6 m using Snellen’s E chart whilst eye examinations were conducted using torch light, 2.5 X magnifying lenses and an ophthalmoscope. Chi Squared tests ( χ2 ) and Multiple Logistic Regressions (MLRs) were conducted to determine associations of different variables using STATA V 13 SE. Results: About 387 out 467 targeted respondents participated in the study. Household heads were the majority of the respondents (246; 63.6%). Cataract prevalence amongst r5espondents was estimated at 44% of which 261 (67.4%) were females with 3.1% of the respondents having permanent blindness. Cataract knowledge still remains low as 228 (58.9%) and Age of respondent, gender specific, marital status, occupation, and primary care giver were significantly associated with prevalence of cataracts. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to improve eye care services so as to improve access to cataract surgery as soon as one is diagnosed. There is also need to conduct community awareness campaigns that are gender specific so as to improve community members’ knowledge on cataracts and ensure they develop proactive eye services seeking behavior. This would minimize chances of the community members suffering permanent blindness due to cataracts.
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Risk factors associated with high malaria incidence among communities in selected wards in Binga district, Zimbabwe: a case-control study
(2020) Maseko, A.; Nunu, W.N.
Background: : Malaria remains a global problem with 216 million cases reported in 2016 and 90% of these cases were recorded in African countries. In 2018 Binga district in Zimbabwe experienced epidemics which resulted in an increase in malaria incidence from 14/10 0 0 in 2015 to 34/10 0 0 in 2018. This occurrence reversed the progress of wards that were moving towards malaria elimination. This study, therefore, was conducted to invesitigate risk factors that were associated with high malaria incidence in selected wards in Binga District. Methods: : A case-control study was conducted on sixty-one systematically randomly selected malaria cases that were matched with one hundred and eighty-three controls to identify risk factors associated with malaria infection in selected wards. The sample size was determined using EPI INFO sample size calculator and matching is done using geographic location and sex of respondents. Information on previous exposure to a risk factor(s) was obtained through a researcher administered questionnaire. Multiple Logistic Regression was conducted to determine the relationship between risk factors and malariaincidence in cases and controls on STATA Version 12 SE. Results: : On comparison, cases were more likely to have been sleeping in poorly constructed shelters with one or more house openings [OR = 5.47; CI = 2.39-12.51], their household located near an active/potential mosquito breeding site or water body [OR = 5.86; CI = 2.61- 13.17] and did not own a treated bed net [OR = 9.14; CI = 4.08-20.45]. Early Treatment seeking behaviour had a significant protective effect [OR = 0.51; CI = 0.39-0.86] and delay to seek treatment was influenced by distance to a health facility [OR = 5.91; CI = 3.02-11.55] just to mention a fewConclusions: : Findings of this study highlight important risk factors that are influential in the transmission of malaria. There is a need for the district to invest in source reduction by use of larvicides and reduction of possible breeding sites so as to minimise breeding. There is need to also embark on awareness campaigns to educate the community members
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Barriers related to the provision of cataract surgery and care in Limpopo province, South Africa: Professional ophthalmic service providers’ perspective
(2020) Khoza, L.B.; Nunu, W.N.; Ndou, N.D.; Makgopa, J.; Ramakuela, N.G.; Manganye, B.S.; Tshivhase, S.E.; Mambanga, P. a; Mutwira, T.S.
Background: Cataract has been reported to be the leading single cause of visual impairment and blindness. However, uptake of cataract services is very low in rural areas though these services are available for free. This study, therefore, sought to explore barriers related to the low uptake of these services through engaging health service providers. Methods: This study used a qualitative design to explore barriers related to the uptake of cataract surgery and care from professional nurses’ perspective in Vhembe District of Limpopo province, outh Africa. The target population comprised of 20 ophthalmic service providers. Of these 20 in Limpopo Province, 15 were general nurses involved in eye health service provision, 3 registered ophthalmic nurses and 2 registered eye specialists. Three Focus Group Discussions were held with 8, 6 and 6 participants respectively. Data was collected through the use of a digital tape recorder, transcribed and then thematically analyzed. Results: The majority of the respondents were aged between 56 and 60 years and females constituted 80% of the respondents. In terms of experience in working in the field of oph- thalmology, most of the respondents had between 1 and 10 years of experience. Reported barriers related to the provision of cataract services by patients were: Lack of provision of comprehensive awareness programs; Failure to tailor-make cataract programs that overcome cultural myths; Unavailability of cataract services at the grass-root level; Shortage of ophthalmologist and supportive ophthalmic health professionals; and inadequate cataract facilities and resources. Conclusion: There is a need for the development of comprehensive awareness campaigns and the integration of traditional health systems and the modern system to overcome myths associated with cataracts. There is a need for investment in the ophthalmic services and ensure that the service is decentralized to health facilities in the communities so as to increase coverage. More health service providers are to be trained to ensure that they are able to provide this service at the grass-root level. This would, in turn, reduce the waiting times and ensure efficient and effective ophthalmic services.