RESUMEN

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and types of refractive errors in persons aged 35 years and older in the Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu (INK) area of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. METHODS: Refractive error data were obtained by autorefraction (Retinomax K-Plus; Nikon, Tokyo, Japan), retinoscopy, and subjective refraction. Refractive error was defined using spherical equivalents as myopia (<-0.5D) and hyperopia (>+0.5D). Astigmatism was defined as cylinder equal to or greater than -0.5D in either eye. RESULTS: Participants' ages ranged from 35 to 90 years, with a mean of 53.05 ± 11.4 years. Women comprised 75% of the subjects. The prevalence of refractive error was 57.3%, with myopia 11.4%, hyperopia 37.7%, and astigmatism 25.7%. Myopia and astigmatism were significantly more prevalent in men (p < 0.01), whereas hyperopia was more prevalent in women (p < 0.01). Hyperopia was significantly associated with education (p < 0.01), whereas myopia and astigmatism were not (p = 0.09 and p = 0.15, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 57.3% of the population 35 years and older in the INK area of Durban were affected by refractive errors, with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism being significantly associated with sex. This study suggests that there is a need for interventions to alleviate refractive error in the INK area as well as in other communities affected by the lack of access to affordable services.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of near vision impairment caused by uncorrected presbyopia and to determine the spectacle coverage for presbyopia in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of presbyopia in Durban. Eighteen clusters were randomly selected from the suburbs of Durban--Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu. Adults over 35 years of age were enumerated through a door-to-door method using aged-based sampling. Respondents were interviewed and then underwent standardized clinical eye examinations. Spectacle coverage was determined. Applying multivariate logistic regressions, the strengths of association of presbyopia and spectacle coverage with the participants' demographic profile were determined. RESULTS: A total of 2764 participants were enumerated while 1939 (70.2%) were examined with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range 45, 60). The prevalence of presbyopia was 77.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.3%-79.2%), significantly higher in those 50-64 years old (OR 10.2, 95% CI 5.3-19.6) and 65-79 years old (OR 10.7, 95% CI 3.2-35.6) and significantly lower in those who had secondary and higher education (p < 0.05). The spectacle coverage for presbyopia was 4.84% (95% CI 3.35%-6.33%), significantly higher in those who were 65-79 years old (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.5-12.9) and 50-64 years old (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.1). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that there is a high prevalence of presbyopia in the study area, with low spectacle coverage, and therefore suggests that uncorrected presbyopia is a major public health concern. The findings of this study may help in making recommendations for strategic planning for eye health intervention efforts.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative is a joint development program between the governments of Mozambique, Swaziland, and South Africa, which includes malaria control as a core component of the initiative. Vector control through indoor residual spraying (IRS) was incrementally introduced in southern Mozambique between November 2000 and February 2004. Surveillance to monitor its impact was conducted by annual cross-sectional surveys to assess the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection, entomologic monitoring, and malaria case notification in neighboring South Africa and Swaziland. In southern Mozambique, there was a significant reduction in P. falciparum prevalence after the implementation of IRS, with an overall relative risk of 0.74 for each intervention year (P < 0.001), ranging from 0.66 after the first year to 0.93 after the fifth intervention year. Substantial reductions in notified malaria cases were reported in South Africa and Swaziland over the same period. The success of the program in reducing malaria transmission throughout the target area provides a strong argument for investment in regional malaria control.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Malaria control programmes utilising indoor residual spraying are only effective if a high coverage of targeted structures is achieved and an insecticide that is effective against the specific mosquito vector is correctly applied. Ongoing monitoring of spraying operations is essential to assure optimal programme performance and early corrective action, where indicated. METHODS: Successful development and application of a computerised spraying operations management system in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa during 1998 resulted in its adaptation and introduction in neighbouring Maputo Province, southern Mozambique during 2000. The structure and components of this computerised management system are described, and its' operational benefit in southern Mozambique, where community-based spray operators apply intradomiciliary insecticide, are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: The computerised management system allowed malaria programme management and field supervisors to monitor spraying coverage, insecticide consumption and application rates on an ongoing basis. The system supported a successful transition to community-based spraying, while assuring correct insecticide application and spraying completion according to schedule.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The paper aims to outline the innovative development and application of a Geographical Information System based Malaria Information System for malaria research and control in South Africa. This system is a product of collaboration between the Malaria Control Programmes and the Malaria Research Programme of the Medical Research Council of South Africa. The ability of such a system to process data timeously into a usable format is discussed, as well as its relevance to malaria research, appropriate malaria control measures, tourism, and social and economic development.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)