Background: A high prevalence of smoking and alcohol use has been reported in patients with tuberculosis (TB) by several researchers, even though these lifestyle habits have a negative impact on prognosis and treatment.Aim: To determine the smoking habits and alcohol use of patients with TB and TB/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, and how it is associated with gender, level of education and body mass index (BMI).Setting: The study was conducted at Standerton TB Specialised Hospital, Mpumalanga.Methods: A cross-sectional approach was applied. A structured interview was conducted by the researcher with each of the 100 hospitalised patients to obtain information about smoking habits, alcohol use and level of education. Weight and height were measured using standard techniques.Results: Almost six out of 10 participants (58%) indicated that they were former (44%) or current (14%) smokers. Nearly half (49%) reported that they used alcohol, with 25% drinking alcohol more than three times per week. Significantly more women than men were non-smokers (60.0% vs. 30.0%) and more men drank alcohol three times or more per week than women (36.7% vs. 7.5%). Participants who indicated that they were either former or current smokers had significantly lower levels of education than participants who were non-smokers (95% confidence interval [CI] [−26.7%; −2.6%] and [−39.9%; −1.0%] respectively).Conclusion: A high percentage of patients with TB and TB/HIV co-infection previously or currently smoked and used alcohol. Smoking and alcohol use are likely to have a negative impact on nutritional status and may further affect the prognosis of patients with TB.

Health SA Gesondheid promotes communication, collaboration and teamwork between professions and disciplines within the health sciences to address problems that cross and affect disciplinary boundaries.

Health SA Gesondheid promotes communication, collaboration and teamwork between professions and disciplines within the health sciences to address problems that cross and affect disciplinary boundaries.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine and compare the nutritional status of the elderly in two long-term care facilities - one situated in a higher socio-economic area and one in a lower socio-economic area. Design: A cross-sectional study was undertaken. Setting: The study setting comprised two urban areas of Bloemfontein, Free State province, South Africa. Subjects: Sixty-two elderly residing in a long-term care facility from both the higher and lower socio-economic areas agreed to participate and met inclusion criteria (N = 124). Outcome measures: The nutritional status of participants was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA^®) questionnaire. Indicators of nutritional status that were assessed as part of the validated MNA^® included anthropometry, a global assessment, dietary assessment and subjective assessment. A total score of 24 or more points was interpreted as being well-nourished. Results: Malnutrition was identified in 3.2% of participants from the long-term care facility situated in the higher socio-economic area and 11.3% from the lower socio-economic area. A significantly higher percentage of participants from the lower socio-economic area were found to be at risk of malnutrition than those from the higher socio-economic area (74.2% vs. 37.1%) [95% CI 19.8%; 51.4%]. Participants from the higher socio-economic area consumed significantly more fluid and protein rich foods than their counterparts. Conclusion: Elderly participants from the lower socio-economic area were more likely to have a poor nutritional status and be at risk of malnutrition. The findings highlight the need to focus on screening for malnutrition in order to promote health and prevent the possible development of nutrition-related co-morbidities in the elderly.

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, a paucity of data exists in respect of the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) regarding the dietary adaptations they should make. Methods: In a descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted in 2017, questionnaires were administered during structured interviews with 75 participants in five MHD-units in Bloemfontein to assess socio-demographics and KAP regarding the ‘renal’ diet. Results: The median age was 50.5 years; 70.7% of participants were male. Overall, 49.4% scored low (< 50%) on knowledge regarding restricted foods, food content of restricted minerals, and phosphate binders; 60.0% reported negative attitudes towards the diet, and 61.4% reported poor adherence practices. Participants with tertiary education (28.0%) had significantly higher knowledge scores than participants with only primary school education (6.7%) (95% CI 3.9%; 73.5%), or those who had only partially completed secondary school (17.3%) (95% CI 6.3%; 64.0%). Only 21.0% reported having received written, and 30.7% verbal, nutrition education in their home language, while 24.0% reported never receiving nutrition education in either their home or second language. Having received nutrition education in a home language and/or second language was associated with significantly higher knowledge scores (95% CI 3.7%; 49.5%). Most (77.3%) reported zero to one consultation with a dietitian per MHD year (NKF-K/DOQI recommends at least three/MHD year). Conclusion: This population on MHD presented with poor KAP regarding the ‘renal’ diet, and inadequate involvement of dietitians in their treatment. Receiving nutritional education in a first or second language significantly increased knowledge of, and insight into, the required dietary adaptations.

Introduction: Participation in education is the right of every child, regardless of disability. An Assistive Technology and InclusionProgramme, implemented at a special school, has provided learners with motor impairments with an alternative to typical writing andother classroom activities in which they cannot participate. This study aimed to describe how learners with motor impairments useassistive technology to participate in classroom activities at a special school in South Africa.Methods: A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted with 34 learners enrolled in this programme. The children were observedperforming a pre-determined activity using assistive technology. An observational checklist was compiled from the literature and relevantschool activities. Video recordings of each learner's performance were used to score the checklist.Results: Activity performance was assessed according to the learner's ability to use assistive technology, their need for assistance,quality of performance and speed of performance. Most learners were able to perform all the activities with some verbal and physicalassistance, cutting and erasing required the most assistance but the ability to use the assistive technology (>90%) and quality ofperformance (>85%) achieved high scores. The median time to complete the activity varied from 5 to 66 seconds.Conclusion: This study yielded descriptive evidence on learners with motor impairments' successful use of assistive technology whenparticipating in school activities, and reinforced the importance of an occupational therapy Assistive Technology and Inclusion Programmein the classroom. Further context-based evidence is required to improve the expansion and sustainability of such programmes.Key words: Occupational therapy; assistive technology; motor impairments; school activities; participation; South African special schools