MSUIR Community:

Developing a process-based model for effective and sustainable work safety analysis for rural hospitals in Chirumanzu district of Midlands Province, Zimbabwe

2025-10-14T12:36:24Z

Title: Developing a process-based model for effective and sustainable work safety analysis for rural hospitals in Chirumanzu district of Midlands Province, Zimbabwe Authors: Shabani, Tapiwa Abstract: Work safety analysis is essential for the well-being and productivity of healthcare workers, particularly in less developed countries such as Zimbabwe. Nevertheless, existing work safety analysis models inadequately address work safety challenges affecting rural hospitals, leading to high rates of accidents and injuries. As a result of this, this research develops a process based model for effective and sustainable work safety analysis for rural hospitals in Chirumanzu district of Midlands Province, Zimbabwe. A descriptive cross-sectional design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed during the study. A total of 109 questionnaires and 68 questionnaires were self-administered at Muvonde Hospital and Driefontein Sanatorium Hospital respectively to reduce margin of error. Data collected using the questionnaire included risks affecting healthcare workers, their causes, effects and methods used to manage risks. The Medical Superintendent, Hospital Manager (Matron), Human Resource Manager, Head of Environmental Health Department (Environmental Health Technician), Nurse in Charge at each hospitals and the District Medical Officer were included as key informant interviewees to collect qualitative data, such as, data on aspects which affect work safety analysis in rural hospitals. Observations were done focusing mainly on essential features of the workplace notably the work environment, workers, tasks performed by workers and equipment used which are likely to cause risks at work. An observational checklist was used. Secondary data regarding risks affecting healthcare workers was obtained from weekly, monthly and annual reports within the rural hospitals. Several risks were identified, including ergonomic, chemical, psychosocial, biological and physical risks at Muvonde Hospital and Driefontein Sanatorium Hospital. At Muvonde Hospital (44%) of the healthcare workers reported ergonomic risks due to the nature of work they performed which involved manual tasks. However, at Driefontein Sanatorium Hospital the majority (30.9%) of the healthcare workers reported biological risks. This is not surprising since the hospital mainly deals with infectious diseases, for example, tuberculosis. Risks which affect healthcare workers within the hospitals expose them to various injuries and diseases. Back injuries were the most common issue reported at both hospitals. The study found that risk challenges were exacerbated by inadequate equipment, shortage of labour, poor training, ineffective management and high workloads as well as negative safety behaviour. Some of the measures used to manage risks include safety training, safety inspection, safety workshops, monitoring worker’s safety and provision of personal protective equipment/cloth however, challenges or gaps related in those current safety approaches were identified. Rural hospitals face significant challenges related to resource scarcity, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to support services and training, all of which negatively affect occupational health and safety. To address these challenges, the study proposes a process-based model for effective and sustainable work safety analysis tailored to the needs of rural hospitals. The model includes factors such as assessment of work safety measures already in place, risk assessment, data collection and analysis, development of control measures, capacity building and continuous monitoring. The model also considers aspects such as stakeholder involvement, management commitment, regular communication, sustainability planning and emergency preparedness. The proposed model’s emphasis on sustainability alludes a long-term approach in enhancing work safety procedures at rural hospitals. By integrating continuous monitoring and improvement, the model aims to create lasting changes that adapt to evolving challenges in rural healthcare settings.

Developing an integrated framework for sustainable solid waste management at rural hospitals in Chirumanzu District, Zimbabwe

2025-10-14T12:55:06Z

Title: Developing an integrated framework for sustainable solid waste management at rural hospitals in Chirumanzu District, Zimbabwe Authors: Shabani, Takunda Abstract: Hospital solid waste management is a significant global challenge, particularly in developing countries where waste from hospitals often exceeds available resources. Zimbabwe, like many developing nations, struggles to manage solid waste effectively, especially in rural hospitals. Management of solid waste in financially and technically struggling rural hospitals is far from acceptable standards, presenting environmental and health problems. Despite presenting critical problems, management of solid waste from rural hospitals is an under-researched area in Zimbabwe. However, Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 21 Chapter 21 complemented by Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aspirations calls for appropriate management of solid waste from various sources encompassing rural hospiatls. Sustainable management of solid waste from rural hospitals requires evidence based decisions supported by frameworks that guide approaches and systems towards sustainability. Consequently, this study focused on developing an integrated framework for sustainable solid waste management at rural hospitals in Chirumanzu district, Zimbabwe. It focuses on characteristics of solid waste, management strategies and associated environmental health risks, aspects essential to develop framework. Descriptive cross sectional research design which triangulates quantitative and qualitative paradigms was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, observations and from secondary sources. To complement these data collection methods and fully address all the study objectives, soil and water samples were collected and analysed. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Results illustrated that major components of solid waste from rural hospitals encompass pharmaceutical, sharps, infectious, pathological, cytotoxic, radioactive, chemical and general waste. Generated solid waste illustrated both hazardous and non-hazardous materisls, presenting the significance of solid waste segregation during waste management. Solid waste generation rate was 0.83kg per patient per day on average and quantity of solid waste was also proportional to number of patients. This implies that since population in the district is increasing at 1.2%, people who require health serves is going to escalate, causing growth of generated solid waste. On average ST Theresa hospital generated 77.35% general waste, 22.65% hazardous waste whereas Holy Cross generated 79% general waste and 21% hazardous waste. Although quantity of hazardous waste is low, but it needs more attention since it causes more harm to human and the environment compared to non-hazrdous waste. Mostly used solid waste storage receptacles included sharp waste containers made with rigid materials, pedal operated bins, metal and plastic buckets, plastic bags and cardboard boxes. Indiscriminate storage of solid waste which translates to co-disposal of waste was common at these hospitals. Solid waste receptacles were mostly emptied on a daily basis at Holy Cross (78.2%) and ST Theresa (86.7%) though disposal of sharp containers was determined by quantity of sharps rather than number of days. Surveyed rural hospitals employ various solid waste disposal approaches namely open pits, burning, incineration, designated dumpsites and auto-way pits. Incineration was highly used at ST Theresa (44.8%) and Holy Cross (41.8%). Most disposal approaches employed at these hospitals are least prioritised by the waste management hierarchy, therefore, have potential to cause adverse environmental health effects. Solid waste management strategies at these rural hospitals are associated with air, water and soil contamination while potentially exposing people to various ailments and occupational hazards. Inappropriate management of hospital solid waste is attributed to low compliance to legal framework, lack of awareness among health workers, improper waste segregation and shortage of resources as well as lack of an appropriate guiding waste management framework. The scenario is exacerbated by application of unclearly defined waste management approaches where there is lack of clear definition of roles, deficiency of coordination coupled by giving less attention to strategies that promote sustainability. Major options to attain proper solid waste management at these rural hospitals encompass collaboration of all accountable stakeholders, raising awareness of health workers and investing in approaches which consider hospital solid waste as a resource. There is a need for the government to implement policies tailored for rural hospitals with insufficient resources. Most importantly, the proposed framework demonstrated possible alternatives to integrate and narrow the gap to reach sustainable solid waste management at rural hospitals. The research presents various relevance to real world scenarios since it has potential assists policy makers and pave route to attain global and local sustainable development goals. In the academic domain, the research can be used as a reference point by other researchers and learners. Characteristics of the framework enables accountable stakeholders to implement strategies which create safe and healthy rural environment through suppression of environmental health problems caused by solid waste from hospitals. Although the study’s strengths outweigh its limiations but applicability of the framework to other rural and urban hospitals is limited since the framework was developed considering characteristics and needs of ST Theresa and Holy Cross hospitals.

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Agro-Meteorological Drought Between 1990 And 2020 In Mberengwa And Zvishavane Districts, Zimbabwe

2022-07-28T07:03:29Z

Title: Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Agro-Meteorological Drought Between 1990 And 2020 In Mberengwa And Zvishavane Districts, Zimbabwe Authors: Mupepi, Oshneck Abstract: Drought has increased in frequency and severity during the previous decade in response to climate change, hence drastic actions are required to ensure drought resilience of most vulnerable communities, especially in developing countries. The study assessed the Spatio-temporal dynamics of agro-meteorological drought between 1990 and 2020 in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. A mixed-methods approach was employed with both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods adopted in the context of the pragmatist research philosophy. Geographic information system and remote sensing, assessment questionnaire, interviews, focus group discussions and observations were used to collect required data in this study. Microsoft excel 2013, Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 and ArcMap 10.5 software were used for data analysis. Findings showed that despite constant change in climate, drought dynamics did not follow a constant trend in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts over the 30 year period studied. However, these dynamics in drought conditions experienced spatial heterogeneity in terms of severity. The 2011-2020 decade experienced more frequent droughts followed by the 1990-2000 and 2001-2010 decades. The El Nino Southern Oscillation phenomenon proved to be the major drought driving factor as its El Nino and La Nina phases corresponded to drought and non-drought years respectively. Zvishavane District was more affected by droughts compared to Mberengwa District. Drought in both districts experienced an increasing trend between 2017 and 2019 before a slight decline in 2020. An increase in spatial coverage of severe droughts was confirmed in both districts. Findings indicated that the length of the rain season has reduced due to late-onset and early cessation of rainfall. Results indicated that local people were in agreement with the spatial and temporal distribution of severe droughts in both Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. Findings showed that there were significant improvements in adaptive, absorptive and transformative capacities of households to overcome the impacts of drought in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. Since drought severity and frequency have increased in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts, the impacts of drought on people’s livelihoods have proportionally increased. The Government of Zimbabwe is encouraged to provide all necessary support to AGRITEX, the Veterinary Services Department and rural district councils throughout the country especially in drought-prone areas so as to strengthen drought resilience support which proved to be effective under the Enhancing Community Resilience and Inclusive Market Systems project in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. The government is encouraged to introduce climate research centers fully equipped with resources that allow climate parameter analysis. This will aid the development of new drought monitoring indices that best suit the climatological conditions of Zimbabwe. This will enhance innovation as ascribed by education 5.0 and improved climate-related disaster management which will culminate into the rejuvenation of agriculture as the backbone of the economy. This will contribute to the achievement of National Development Strategy Goal number one of achieving a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income status by 2030.

Impact of oil pollution on soil properties : a case of Sable Chemical Industries

2022-06-27T13:49:05Z

Title: Impact of oil pollution on soil properties : a case of Sable Chemical Industries Authors: Chimhina, Chiedza M. Abstract: The study examined the impact of oil pollution on soil properties at Sable Chemical Industries. The researcher used a descriptive case study research design. The research encompassed both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and use of primary and secondary methods of data collection. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires, direct field observations, interviews and soil sample collection while secondary data was obtained from the journals and Sable Chemical Industries SHE incident records. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), content analysis and Microsoft Excel. The research findings identified mechanical failure, breakdown maintenance and human error as the major causes of oil spills at Sable Chemical Industries. The level of knowledge on oil handling practices amongst Sable Chemical industries’ employees is still low due to lack training and Managemental commitment. The collected soil samples were subjected to laboratory tests and the results obtained showed variations in pH, electrical conductivity and moisture content. The range of electrical conductivity of the unpolluted sites was 20-49(mS/m) compared to the 31-99(mS/m) for the polluted sites with an average of 78% increase. The soil pH drastically decreased from 7.12 (control) to 5.48 whilst the soil moisture content has decreased by 60%. Due to hydrocarbon pollution the soils have become highly acidic, compacted, negatively charged (ions) with low moisture content. The result from the chi-square test shows that there is a significant relationship (p<0.05; p=0.04) between oil pollution and physic- chemical alteration of soil properties. The research recommends Sable Chemical Industries to formulate an oil spill response team and draft an oil spill response procedure which clearly outlines the responsibilities, targets and action plans towards oil spill reduction to reduce environmental pollution. Environmental Management Agency should also educate waste oil producing entities on how to practice safe and sound waste oil disposal