Children five years or younger in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are severely affected ... more Children five years or younger in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are severely affected by diarrhoea disease, especially in the sub-Saharan region. Hence, the study aimed at determining the prevalence and determinants of diarrhea disease among children under 5 years in Epworth Township, Zimbabwe. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a local clinic in Epworth Township, Harare. A convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit study participants for participation and 386 children were enrolled in the study. The majority were male children (n=229; 59.3%), while there were more female caregivers (n=370; 95.9%) than male caregivers (n=16; 4.1%). The prevalence of diarrhea disease in the study was 25.1%. The determinants associated with diarrhea were being partially vaccinated (OR 2.38, CI 95% 2.80–8.22), collecting water more than 1 kilometre from a household (OR 4.55; CI 95% 2.10–9.85) and using untreated water (OR 6.22; CI 95% 2.13–18.20). The age of the care...
There has been a rise in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) globally especially in low-and ... more There has been a rise in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) globally especially in low-and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. The condition has been linked to genetic predisposes, living conditions, and environmental factors. Environmental factors are considered a significant contributor to AD in low- and middle-income countries. This study determined the prevalence of AD in southwestern Nigeria and identified risk factors in home and school environments that children aged 6 to 14 years are exposed to. A cross-sectional study was adopted, and the total sample size was 349. Four randomly selected health facilities were used for the study. A questionnaire was used to determine the risk factors in the population. Data analysis was done using the latest version of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in this study is 25%. Atopic dermatitis was found to be common in females ( 27%). Children who lived where trucks pass on the stree...
The study aimed to assess the association between environmental exposure and asthma among childre... more The study aimed to assess the association between environmental exposure and asthma among children between 3 and 12 years old in King Williams Town, South Africa. A quantitative case-control study was conducted at Grey Hospital to assess the association between environmental exposure and asthma among children who reside in King Williams Town. Of the total 566 study participants, 50.5% (286) had asthma while 49.5% did not. Socio-demographic factors associated with asthma in children were being within the age group 9–12 years (OR 1.74, CI 95% 1.09–2.78) and India ethnicity (OR 0.20, CI 95% 0.08–0.48). Factors associated with asthma were weight within 25–35 kg (OR 1.64, CI 95% 1.11–2.42) and BMI within 15–20 (OR 4.80, CI 95% 2.80–8.22). Environmental risk factors associated with asthma were indoor exposure to tobacco smoke from mothers of the participants (OR 5.45, CI 95% 3.08–9.65) and from fathers (OR 4.37; CI 95% 2.77–6.90). Abstaining from eating seafood appeared to be protective f...
Food fraud claims are increasing, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. ‘Fake fo... more Food fraud claims are increasing, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. ‘Fake food’ is also known as counterfeit food
Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heatin... more Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heating is associated with adverse health impacts. Such effects include respiratory allergic reactions and asthma. Most households in South Africa use mainly firewood and animal biomass for cooking. The use of traditional fuel for cooking and heating has been associated with allergic rhinitis especially in rural areas of South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted were 167 households were randomly selected after different locations were stratified. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions adopted from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. The prevalence of household reported allergic rhinitis in the different locations were Bhubhane (64%), Mahlabatsini (53%), Masakeni (50%), Babrook (48%), KaJohn (34%) and KaDukies (23%). Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with the use of coal, wood and kerosene. We did not find any asso...
: Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heat... more : Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heating is associated with adverse health impacts. Such effects include respiratory allergic reactions and asthma. Most households in South Africa use mainly firewood and animal biomass for cooking. The use of traditional fuel for cooking and heating has been associated with allergic rhinitis especially in rural areas of South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted were 167 households were randomly selected after different locations were stratified. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions adopted from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. Data was analysed using SPSS logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of household reported allergic rhinitis in the different locations were Bhubhane (64%), Mahlabatsini (53%), Masakeni (50%), Babrook (48%), KaJohn (34%) and KaDukies (23%). Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with...
2018 IEEE 4th Global Electromagnetic Compatibility Conference (GEMCCON), 2018
One of the leading sources of emission of ELF magnetic fields in occupational settings and reside... more One of the leading sources of emission of ELF magnetic fields in occupational settings and residential communities is overhead power lines and electrical substations. This study aimed to investigate the emissions of ELF magnetic fields in 132 kV distribution substations within Mangaung metropolitan region, Free State, South Africa. Four 132 kV substations were randomly selected in three prominent areas of Mangaung metropolitan region. For each substation, 50 (1 m2) blocks were divided from the floor plans and a total of 200 measurements were collected using Triefield meter model XE 100. The data was analyzed using analysis ToolPak from excel programme (Microsoft 2010). ANOVA was performed to compare the mean values between four substations. The results obtained from statistical tests indicated a non-significant difference when ELF magnetic field emissions from four distribution substations were compared to one another (p< 0.39). It was also found that area one (1.26 µT) had a hig...
Introduction Lead exposure is toxic to all humans and is very harmful to young children, especial... more Introduction Lead exposure is toxic to all humans and is very harmful to young children, especially 5-year-olds. Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have been associated with their daily surrounding environment. This protocol seeks to evaluate the association between environmental lead exposure and BLLs among children in day-care centres, including household and other risk factors. Methods and analysis To achieve the objectives of the study, we adopted a cross-sectional analytical design. A portable X-ray fluorescence analyser was used for environmental sampling, and BLLs were determined using the LeadCare II machine among preschool children. Household and other risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. Random sampling was employed to select day-care centres in the municipality and children in each day-care centre. Data will be analysed using SPSS V. 26. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval and permission were obtained prior to commencement of the study. The r...
There is little scientific knowledge about e-cigarette use in South Africa. This study aimed to d... more There is little scientific knowledge about e-cigarette use in South Africa. This study aimed to describe the risk factors and perceptions of selected Johannesburg-based users of e-cigarettes. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a convenient sample of 188 participants, of which 160 were males and 28 females. The survey results showed that participants used e-cigarettes at home (n = 28/ 14.8%), work (n = 76/ 40.4%), tertiary institutions (n = 50/ 26.5%) and in their vehicles (n = 24/ 12.7%), while (n = 96/ 51%) used the product in the presence of children. 57 participants (30.3%) started using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation strategy, while 46 (24.4%) used it to manage smoking cravings. Most participants believed that e-cigarettes are addictive (n = 156/ 82.9%) and unhealthy (n = 139/ 73.9%). This study highlights the need and opportunity to improve public health action in the prevention and management of risks posed by e-cigarette products to users and...
2018 International Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy (DUE), 2018
About 90% of the South African population have got access to electricity, yet it is believed that... more About 90% of the South African population have got access to electricity, yet it is believed that several households continue to rely on traditional fuels such as coal, charcoal, firewood, animal dung as their primary cooking fuels. The combustion of traditional fuels in an inefficient cookstoves results in increased Indoor Air Pollution (IAP), ill respiratory health and several cases of premature deaths. This paper summarizes studies providing evidence of an association between household energy patterns, IAP and of acute or chronic lower and upper respiratory infections in South African households. It is believed that IAP has contributed to about 1400 premature deaths and current interventions programmes to increase access to modern energy services including electricity for poor households could be failing as reports of diseases and deaths continue to be documented. Based on existing evidence, it is that recommended energy practitioners should target achievable, yet health-saving i...
Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heatin... more Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heating is associated with adverse health impacts. Such effects include respiratory allergic reactions and asthma. Most households in South Africa use mainly firewood and animal biomass for cooking. The use of traditional fuel for cooking and heating has been associated with allergic rhinitis especially in rural areas of South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted were 167 households were randomly selected after different locations were stratified. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions adopted from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. The prevalence of household reported allergic rhinitis in the different locations were Bhubhane (64%), Mahlabatsini (53%), Masakeni (50%), Babrook (48%), KaJohn (34%) and KaDukies (23%). Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with the use of coal, wood and kerosene. We did not find any asso...
Domestic use of solid fuel for cooking and heating result in exposure to particulate matter (PM 2... more Domestic use of solid fuel for cooking and heating result in exposure to particulate matter (PM 2.5 & PM10). Studies have shown that the use of solid fuel for cooking and heating is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in developing countries. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been associated with high mortality and morbidity rates in less developed countries. The review provides evidence indicating an association between domestic use of solid fuel and cardiovascular diseases. We adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model to search of the literature was performed using the following search engines: Scopus, Science direct, and others. Two researchers reviewed papers for inclusion independently. Studies that were included covered fuel use and cardiovascular disease as an outcome. The search used different keywords such as cardiovascular, coronary heart disease, domestic fuel, indoor air pollution (IAP), particulate m...
Children five years or younger in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are severely affected ... more Children five years or younger in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are severely affected by diarrhoea disease, especially in the sub-Saharan region. Hence, the study aimed at determining the prevalence and determinants of diarrhea disease among children under 5 years in Epworth Township, Zimbabwe. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a local clinic in Epworth Township, Harare. A convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit study participants for participation and 386 children were enrolled in the study. The majority were male children (n=229; 59.3%), while there were more female caregivers (n=370; 95.9%) than male caregivers (n=16; 4.1%). The prevalence of diarrhea disease in the study was 25.1%. The determinants associated with diarrhea were being partially vaccinated (OR 2.38, CI 95% 2.80–8.22), collecting water more than 1 kilometre from a household (OR 4.55; CI 95% 2.10–9.85) and using untreated water (OR 6.22; CI 95% 2.13–18.20). The age of the care...
There has been a rise in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) globally especially in low-and ... more There has been a rise in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) globally especially in low-and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. The condition has been linked to genetic predisposes, living conditions, and environmental factors. Environmental factors are considered a significant contributor to AD in low- and middle-income countries. This study determined the prevalence of AD in southwestern Nigeria and identified risk factors in home and school environments that children aged 6 to 14 years are exposed to. A cross-sectional study was adopted, and the total sample size was 349. Four randomly selected health facilities were used for the study. A questionnaire was used to determine the risk factors in the population. Data analysis was done using the latest version of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in this study is 25%. Atopic dermatitis was found to be common in females ( 27%). Children who lived where trucks pass on the stree...
The study aimed to assess the association between environmental exposure and asthma among childre... more The study aimed to assess the association between environmental exposure and asthma among children between 3 and 12 years old in King Williams Town, South Africa. A quantitative case-control study was conducted at Grey Hospital to assess the association between environmental exposure and asthma among children who reside in King Williams Town. Of the total 566 study participants, 50.5% (286) had asthma while 49.5% did not. Socio-demographic factors associated with asthma in children were being within the age group 9–12 years (OR 1.74, CI 95% 1.09–2.78) and India ethnicity (OR 0.20, CI 95% 0.08–0.48). Factors associated with asthma were weight within 25–35 kg (OR 1.64, CI 95% 1.11–2.42) and BMI within 15–20 (OR 4.80, CI 95% 2.80–8.22). Environmental risk factors associated with asthma were indoor exposure to tobacco smoke from mothers of the participants (OR 5.45, CI 95% 3.08–9.65) and from fathers (OR 4.37; CI 95% 2.77–6.90). Abstaining from eating seafood appeared to be protective f...
Food fraud claims are increasing, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. ‘Fake fo... more Food fraud claims are increasing, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. ‘Fake food’ is also known as counterfeit food
Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heatin... more Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heating is associated with adverse health impacts. Such effects include respiratory allergic reactions and asthma. Most households in South Africa use mainly firewood and animal biomass for cooking. The use of traditional fuel for cooking and heating has been associated with allergic rhinitis especially in rural areas of South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted were 167 households were randomly selected after different locations were stratified. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions adopted from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. The prevalence of household reported allergic rhinitis in the different locations were Bhubhane (64%), Mahlabatsini (53%), Masakeni (50%), Babrook (48%), KaJohn (34%) and KaDukies (23%). Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with the use of coal, wood and kerosene. We did not find any asso...
: Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heat... more : Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heating is associated with adverse health impacts. Such effects include respiratory allergic reactions and asthma. Most households in South Africa use mainly firewood and animal biomass for cooking. The use of traditional fuel for cooking and heating has been associated with allergic rhinitis especially in rural areas of South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted were 167 households were randomly selected after different locations were stratified. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions adopted from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. Data was analysed using SPSS logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of household reported allergic rhinitis in the different locations were Bhubhane (64%), Mahlabatsini (53%), Masakeni (50%), Babrook (48%), KaJohn (34%) and KaDukies (23%). Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with...
2018 IEEE 4th Global Electromagnetic Compatibility Conference (GEMCCON), 2018
One of the leading sources of emission of ELF magnetic fields in occupational settings and reside... more One of the leading sources of emission of ELF magnetic fields in occupational settings and residential communities is overhead power lines and electrical substations. This study aimed to investigate the emissions of ELF magnetic fields in 132 kV distribution substations within Mangaung metropolitan region, Free State, South Africa. Four 132 kV substations were randomly selected in three prominent areas of Mangaung metropolitan region. For each substation, 50 (1 m2) blocks were divided from the floor plans and a total of 200 measurements were collected using Triefield meter model XE 100. The data was analyzed using analysis ToolPak from excel programme (Microsoft 2010). ANOVA was performed to compare the mean values between four substations. The results obtained from statistical tests indicated a non-significant difference when ELF magnetic field emissions from four distribution substations were compared to one another (p< 0.39). It was also found that area one (1.26 µT) had a hig...
Introduction Lead exposure is toxic to all humans and is very harmful to young children, especial... more Introduction Lead exposure is toxic to all humans and is very harmful to young children, especially 5-year-olds. Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have been associated with their daily surrounding environment. This protocol seeks to evaluate the association between environmental lead exposure and BLLs among children in day-care centres, including household and other risk factors. Methods and analysis To achieve the objectives of the study, we adopted a cross-sectional analytical design. A portable X-ray fluorescence analyser was used for environmental sampling, and BLLs were determined using the LeadCare II machine among preschool children. Household and other risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. Random sampling was employed to select day-care centres in the municipality and children in each day-care centre. Data will be analysed using SPSS V. 26. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval and permission were obtained prior to commencement of the study. The r...
There is little scientific knowledge about e-cigarette use in South Africa. This study aimed to d... more There is little scientific knowledge about e-cigarette use in South Africa. This study aimed to describe the risk factors and perceptions of selected Johannesburg-based users of e-cigarettes. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a convenient sample of 188 participants, of which 160 were males and 28 females. The survey results showed that participants used e-cigarettes at home (n = 28/ 14.8%), work (n = 76/ 40.4%), tertiary institutions (n = 50/ 26.5%) and in their vehicles (n = 24/ 12.7%), while (n = 96/ 51%) used the product in the presence of children. 57 participants (30.3%) started using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation strategy, while 46 (24.4%) used it to manage smoking cravings. Most participants believed that e-cigarettes are addictive (n = 156/ 82.9%) and unhealthy (n = 139/ 73.9%). This study highlights the need and opportunity to improve public health action in the prevention and management of risks posed by e-cigarette products to users and...
2018 International Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy (DUE), 2018
About 90% of the South African population have got access to electricity, yet it is believed that... more About 90% of the South African population have got access to electricity, yet it is believed that several households continue to rely on traditional fuels such as coal, charcoal, firewood, animal dung as their primary cooking fuels. The combustion of traditional fuels in an inefficient cookstoves results in increased Indoor Air Pollution (IAP), ill respiratory health and several cases of premature deaths. This paper summarizes studies providing evidence of an association between household energy patterns, IAP and of acute or chronic lower and upper respiratory infections in South African households. It is believed that IAP has contributed to about 1400 premature deaths and current interventions programmes to increase access to modern energy services including electricity for poor households could be failing as reports of diseases and deaths continue to be documented. Based on existing evidence, it is that recommended energy practitioners should target achievable, yet health-saving i...
Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heatin... more Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heating is associated with adverse health impacts. Such effects include respiratory allergic reactions and asthma. Most households in South Africa use mainly firewood and animal biomass for cooking. The use of traditional fuel for cooking and heating has been associated with allergic rhinitis especially in rural areas of South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted were 167 households were randomly selected after different locations were stratified. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions adopted from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. The prevalence of household reported allergic rhinitis in the different locations were Bhubhane (64%), Mahlabatsini (53%), Masakeni (50%), Babrook (48%), KaJohn (34%) and KaDukies (23%). Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with the use of coal, wood and kerosene. We did not find any asso...
Domestic use of solid fuel for cooking and heating result in exposure to particulate matter (PM 2... more Domestic use of solid fuel for cooking and heating result in exposure to particulate matter (PM 2.5 & PM10). Studies have shown that the use of solid fuel for cooking and heating is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in developing countries. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been associated with high mortality and morbidity rates in less developed countries. The review provides evidence indicating an association between domestic use of solid fuel and cardiovascular diseases. We adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model to search of the literature was performed using the following search engines: Scopus, Science direct, and others. Two researchers reviewed papers for inclusion independently. Studies that were included covered fuel use and cardiovascular disease as an outcome. The search used different keywords such as cardiovascular, coronary heart disease, domestic fuel, indoor air pollution (IAP), particulate m...
Uploads
Papers by Thokozani Mbonane