Henry A. Akinsola

Human bioaccessibility of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu from consumed earth materials in Vhembe District, South Africa

ABSTRACT Earth materials, such as clays, anthills and dried-up pond sediments, are consumed by humans as a means of supplementing essential elements and for protection against toxins. A two-stage physiologically based extraction test (PBET), simulating the human stomach and intestine, was used to estimate the human bioaccessibility of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Extracts from these earth materials were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the relationships amongst bioaccessible element concentrations. The mean concentrations of elements for the stomach and intestinal phases were as follows; Fe, 0.94 and 0.20 ppm; Zn, 81.44 and 22.42 ppm; Mn, 10.10 and 1900 ppm; Cu, 24.93 and 230.04 ppm. Iron and Zn showed higher bioaccessibility under gastric conditions whilst Cu was bioaccessible only in the intestinal phase extract. Concentrations of Mn were the same in gastric and intestinal phases. There were strong associations between Zn, Fe and Mn. Some of the consumed earth materials could contribute to the daily recommended nutrient intake of Fe and provide a significant source of Mn and Cu for consumers of earth materials.

Survey of bar-lounges and restaurants regarding compliance with the current smoke-free regulation in Thulamela Municipality, South Africa

Background The Tobacco Products Control Act, No. 83 of 1993 was introduced in South Africa in 1993. Due to the shortfalls of the 1993 Act, the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act, No. 12 of 1999 was passed in 1999. The regulation relating to smoking of tobacco products in public places was gazetted in 2000 and implemented in 2001. Setting The setting for the study was all selected registered licensed bar-lounges including restaurants within the municipality. Purpose of the study To examine compliance levels with the current smoke-free regulation at bar-lounges and restaurants in Thulamela Municipality. Objectives of the study To observe whether structural alterations had been effected to accommodate smoking patrons. To observe whether tobacco-related litter was present in non-smoking areas and in the outdoor areas within 5 meters of windows and entry ways. To observe whether individuals or groups engaged in smoking in non-smoking areas. Methods An observational survey was conducted to measure the level of compliance by lounges and restaurants in Thulamela Municipality. A convenience sampling method was used to sample 56 bar-lounges, including restaurants. Data were collected using an observation log. Collected data were analysed using SPSS 20.0. Results The study findings noted low compliance with the legislation with only one establishment (1.8%) complying with the requirements of the legislation. Conclusion The level of compliance with the legislation is in a very low state in Thulamela Municipality. Further research is needed to explore factors influencing non-compliance with the regulation.

Socio-demographic determinants of body mass index among school children in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background African specific studies on the factors associated with the growth pattern of children are needed to guide evidence and develop effective population-based interventions that can be tailored to the unique African context. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-economic correlates of body mass index (BMI) of primary and secondary school children in Ebonyi State, which is situated in south-eastern Nigeria. Methodology This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study that utilised clustering and stratified sampling techniques to select 1000 learners from primary and secondary schools located in Abakaliki local government area. Apart from a questionnaire, a Mettler weighing scale was also used for data collection. A generalised linear model was used to test the association between the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and their BMI. Result BMI was positively related to female gender but negatively related to age and level of education. The mode of cooking, who the participants live with and how they get to school also predicted changes in BMI. Other variables like mother’s occupation and family’s mode of transport were also associated with BMI changes while father’s level of education, mother’s level of education, father’s occupation and the type of residence did not have any statistical relationship with BMI. Conclusion The present study shows that the BMI of school children is influenced by the socio-demographic characteristics surrounding them. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve the socio-economic standing of families in this community.

Geophagic Practice in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract Earth materials are consumed by human beings for a wide variety of reasons, namely, for mineral nutrient supplementation, protection from toxins and for cultural norms. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of geophagic practices, causative reasons for geophagy and types of earth material consumed by geophagists. The purposive sampling technique was used to identify 438 female geophagists (Earth eaters) in the Vhembe District in South Africa. Socio-economic features, causative reasons and benefits derived from the eating of earth materials were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Results indicated that forty-six percent of the women were married, forty-five percent were single, five percent were divorced and four percent were widows. They were mainly engaged in farming, wage labor, and petty trading, with very few of them in the civil service. The main reasons for geophagic practice among the women were for the soothing taste, quelling of nauseate feelings, and pleasant flavor. The preferred types of earth materials were soft stone (22%) and clay (34%). The mean daily intake of earth materials for pregnant women was 90g, while mean daily intake for non-pregnant women ranged from 40 to 60g. The study revealed high prevalence of geophagic practice amongst women of diverse ethnicities and different age groups in Vhembe District, South Africa.

Forced migration and health - diarrhoea among adult Zimbabwean immigrants in Limpopo

To the Editor: The political and economic decline in Zimbabwe has forced many Zimbabweans to migrate to neighbouring countries and abroad. 1 A large number of Zimbabwean migrants live in poverty in the border region. The high demand for shelter forces some people to create and occupy very basic dwellings 2 and cook food in tin cans over fires. Many live in cardboard and plastic shelters, some in the back yards of overcrowded homes where they have to pay rent. Others sleep under trees next to roads or on open fields on farms, at railway stations or on the street. 3