Background According to WHO, in 2015, over 35% of ischaemic heart disease, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and about 42% of strokes, the second largest contributor to global mortality, could have been prevented by reducing or removing exposure to chemical pollutants. Heavy metal and cyanide pollution are prevalent in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the effects of industrial pollutants are more severe, partly due to poor regulation. In Zimbabwe, the mining industry alone contributed to 25% of occupational conditions and injuries in 2020. Therefore, to mitigate these problems, this study seeks to develop a health risk management framework for heavy metals and cyanide pollution in the industrial city of Kwekwe. Methods The convergent parallel mixed-method study design will be utilised. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected, analysed, and merged in order to inform the development of the risk framework. An analytical cross-sectional survey would be used to determine levels of heavy metals in surface water, soil, and vegetables. Free cyanide will be determined in surface water samples only. The phenomenological qualitative inquiry will be used to investigate health events and risks associated with potentially toxic pollutants (heavy metals and cyanide) to describe or interpret participants' lived experiences. The qualitative and quantitative results will be used to develop and validate the framework to manage identified health risks. For data analysis, statistical analysis will be used in the quantitative study, while thematic analysis will be used in the qualitative study. The study was approved by the University of Venda Ethics Committee (Registration Number FHS/22/PH/05/2306) and the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (Approval Number MRCZ/A/2944). All ethical principles will be adhered to throughout the study in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Discussion While existing risk management frameworks have significantly contributed to human and environmental health protection, novel and comprehensive frameworks need to be developed to counter the ever-dynamic and evolving risks associated with chemical pollutants. If the management framework is successfully developed, it could offer an opportunity for the prevention and control of potentially toxic elements.

Background: In South Africa, approximately 3,680 women die of cancer every year and one in every 41 women will within their lifetime develop cancer of the cervix despite availability of screening programme that is in place; Papanicolaou smear. Aim: The study assessed the awareness and practices of women attending regional hospital regarding Papanicolaou smear. Methods and Materials: This quantitative study involved 500 respondents chosen conveniently from a total of 9868 outpatient women aged ≥18years from Tshilidzini regional Hospital. Questionnaires were used to collect data which were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation method. Results: In this respect, 388 (77.6%) were aware of cancer of the cervix, 208 (41.6%) knew about its prevention whilst 382 (76.6%) also were aware of Papanicolaou smear. In terms of practices, the results show that 54 (10.8%) respondents took pap smear once in six months, 4 (0.8%) took Papanicolaou smear twice in the past six months and the majority 442 (88.4%) did not take a pap smear in the past six months. The results indicate that respondents had a tendency not to take a Papanicolaou smear within duration of six months as recommended, which shows poor practices. Furthermore, this study established a positive significant correlation between the practices that cervical cancer can be diagnosed by Papanicolaou smear and ever heard about Papanicolaou smear (r=0.405; p<0.01). Conclusion: An intervention is, therefore, of significant in the department of health’ initiative of raising Papanicolaou smears awareness and promotes practises among South African women.

Background: Breastmilk only is enough for milestone of a child because it contains all necessary nutrients. Because of its benefits World Health Organization recommends that lactating mothers must give their infants only breastmilk for six months and continue up to two years with appropriate complementary food. Despite its benefits breastfeeding is not well practiced in developing countries, South Africa included. Objective: This study aimed to investigate enabling, reinforcing and predisposing factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding interruption among lactating mothers in Limpopo Province. Methods and materials: This study was cross sectional which employed quantitative measures. Data was collected from 399 lactating mothers during immunization in the selected birthing facilities of Limpopo Province and analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: The findings indicate that breastfeeding mothers were likely to stop breastfeeding completely when their babies were three months old. The findings were that the majority 72.9% of the mothers practised mixed feeding and the minority, only 27.1% practised EBF. It was also found that 38.5% mothers gave water to the infants, 30.2% were given soft porridge and 26.1% formula. Conclusion: The study revealed that the factors that affect exclusive breastfeeding include: influence from the Parents/in-laws Insufficient breastmilk, religious and cultural beliefs, illness of the mothers and young mothers and going back to work/school.

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