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Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
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Core Subject : Health,
Articles 5,497 Documents
Sexual Assault, Pregnancy and HIV Infection among Young Girls in the Transkei Region of South Africa. Case Reports B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17714

Abstract

Background: Rape continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing South Africa, alongside poverty & joblessness that the government is trying hard to eradicate. Transkei region of the Eastern Cape can best be described as deeply rural with bad roads, unclean water supply, limited electricity, few telephone connections, very limited access to transport and health services. Violence including sexual assaults is a common problem in this region. Objective: To highlight the problem of sexual assault, pregnancy, and HIV infection among young girls in Transkei region of South Africa. Case History: This is a retrospective case report from the register of sexual assault at Sinawe Center of Mthatha General Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa.These are reports of two young girls who were repeatedly raped. Histories and findings of the physical examinations are described. Consequences of teenage pregnancies and HIV transmission are discussed. The issue of consent and teenagers’ partners’ responsibility is highlighted. Solutions to reduce re-victimisation are suggested. Conclusion: There is problem of sexual assaults, pregnancy, and HIV infection among young girls in the Transkei region of South Africa. There is a need to control this epidemic of sexual assaults to prevent HIV spread, and to prevent unwanted pregnancies
Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking Among Ex-Mineworkers of Transkei, South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17715

Abstract

Background: The smoking of tobacco is one of the most important confounding factors contributing to lung pathology. It is therefore essential to know the degree of prevalence of smoking in the community of former mineworkers of the Transkei, who constitute one of the groups in South Africa most affected by smoking. Objective: Prevalence study of smoking among former mineworkers of Transkei, South Africa Method: This is a record review study from the Benefit Examination Clinic, which was carried out once a week at the chest section of Mthatha Hospital in Transkei. Results: 466 ex-mineworkers were studied for their smoking habits. Non-smokers were lower in number at 97 (21%), the number of ex-smokers was 226 (48%) and smokers numbered 143 (31%). Little more than three-fifth were smokers - 89 (20%) - and ex-smokers - 142 (30%) - who were in their middle age (40-59yrs). Between 1% and 5% were observed to be in the extreme ends of their age groups (<40 &>60). It was observed that among the ex-miners who had worked in the mines for a period of 10 to 19 years, the ex-smokers constituted 26%, the smokers 17% and non-smokers 9%. The ex-smokers, smokers and non-smokers were in a proportion of about 5:3:2. The population of smokers peaked from 15% for those with a mining history of nine or fewer year’s underground to 42% for those who had been mining for 10 to 19 years and fell almost at the same rate from 42% to 22% in the group with 20 or more years of mining. Non-smokers among the sample increased from 5% (nine or fewer years) to 9% in the 10 to 19 years group, and ultimately settled at 7% when they had worked 20 years or more. Conclusion: The prevalence of smoking among ex-mineworkers is high (79%) in the Transkei region of South Africa.
External Examiner’s Report for the 4th Year Medical Examination in Forensic Medicine: Is It A Magician With a Wand? B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17716

Abstract

Background: Externalexaminers are generally considered people of integrity, and honesty. The right to pass or fail students is within their discretion. The examination report that they produce must be congruent with their actions. The post examination comment by the external examiner for the 4th year medical examination in Forensic Medicine stating that students were weak in Forensic Medicine was not consistent, however, with the marks he awarded to the students. Objective: To validate the report of external examiner with his action. Method: Every year an external examiner is invited to conduct an examination of 4th year MB. ChB students in Forensic Medicine. There were three specialist examiners who conducted an examination of medical students. The external examiner (Mr. X) has been invited from a pioneer institute for the last three years. Mr. X also made changes, and approved course contents at the beginning of the year. Results: There were 97 students who sat for the examination. Of these, 93 (96%) passed and none of them failed. Only 4% were required to write a supplementary examination. All scripts were marked by all three examiners. One third of the students (31/32%) who received the lowest marks were exposed to the external examiner for an oral examination, together with their scripts. The external examiner made no change of marks in six cases. Of the other 24 students, six students marked were decreased up to 4%, while the remaining 18 students’ marks were increased by up to 20%20%. One student has awarded a distinction (75%) by the external examiner (increased from 55% to 75%). Conclusion: The comment of an external examiner was, however, not congruent with his actions. Therefore, the external examiner is a magician, but without a magic wand.
Poverty and Non-Natural Deaths among Former Mineworkers and in their Families in Transkei Region of South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17717

Abstract

Background: Thousands of former mineworkers across former Transkei have already passed on, are disabled, or died due to either mining related diseases or non-natural ways of dying such as accidents, suicide, or homicide. Many ex-mineworkers have died prematurely, placing a strain on their families. This has led to dysfunctional families and has created the conditions for children from these families to commit crime. Compensation could be claimed for mining related maladies, but the non-natural deaths are unbearable for a resource-stricken family. Objective: To highlight the problem of poverty and non-natural deaths among former mineworkers, and to relate the impact on their families. Method and Material: This research, a retrospective qualitative study on former mineworkers and their children, was carried out in 2000-01 at the forensic pathology laboratory of Umtata General Hospital complex, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The records of interviews performed during medicolegal autopsies in 2000 and 2001were reviewed at Umtata (Mthatha) General Hospital mortuary. The interviews were routinely performed in relation to victims who were admitted at the Umtata (Mthatha) General Hospital mortuary.Results: Eighty-four family records were analysed. Of these, 21 (25%) were found to be former mineworkers and their immediate family members. There were five mineworkers and 15 children of mineworkers. Only one was the spouse of a mineworker who had died unnaturally, and one person was unaccounted for in these numbers. Three mineworkers died because of firearm injuries, one was assaulted by someone with a knobkerrie, and another one died because of alcoholic intoxication. Two of them had heavy drinking habits. Three mineworkers were unemployed. The causes of unnatural deaths were as follows: five stabbed, two from firearm injuries, one from a motor vehicle accident, one assaulted with blunt object, and three committed suicides by hanging and poisoning. Most of the victims consumed alcohol. Conclusion: A high number of former mineworkers died an unnatural death. Poverty could be an associated as an underlying cause of death.
A case Report on the Obstacles in Research Publications in a Rural University, South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17718

Abstract

Background: Universities are the powerhouse; they generate knowledge through research all over the world. A university without research is a black hole that swallows the taxpayers’ money without contributing much to them. Objective: To highlight the obstacles to carry out research in a rural university of South Africa. Case History: Ms. X was enthusiastic to carry out the research in the university She had so far produced about 100 research articles in peer reviewed journals, despite all odds. She was appreciated nationally and internationally for her work, but the university under study has humiliated and victimized her. This report on Ms. X highlights how this rural university is being disadvantaged by not allowing people to go further. The author will try to present his personal views after informal discussions with various academics and researchers. The highlights of the de-motivating and inhibitory factors are discussed in this manuscript. Conclusion: The main obstacle is lack of transparency and abuse of power at this rural university. The university functions like a secretive society.
A case report on alcohol and crime in the Transkei region of South Africa BL Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17719

Abstract

Background: Alcohol and crime are two-in-one, inseparable from each other as most of the crime in South Africa is carried out under the influence of alcohol. Many deaths as well in South Africa are attributed to alcohol consumption but, despite that, alcohol is available everywhere in country. Objective: To highlight the problem of alcohol and crime in the Transkei region of South Africa. Method: This case study is based on the case report histories which were obtained from the Mthatha Forensic Pathology Laboratory. Results: These are ten cases that provide examples of alcohol related deaths. All these deaths were caused by stabbing (except one) where the perpetrator or victim or both were intoxicated. The primary underlying cause of these fight was either money or girlfriends. The history, culture and circumstances of these deaths are discussed in this manuscript. Conclusion: Alcohol is a major cause of crime in the Transkei region of South Africa.
Why Do Women Not to Go for Abortion in a Designated Legal Abortion Facility in Transkei Region of South Africa? BL Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17720

Abstract

Background: The implementation of choice arising from the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) is a challenge in South Africa as there are many abortions that are still carried out by illegal abortionists in the Transkei region. This raises the serious question as to why the women do not prefer to go instead to a designated legal abortion clinic which carries out safe abortions in South Africa.Objective: To study the underlying factors which prevent women from going for an abortion to designated legal abortion facilities.Method: This qualitative research was carried out by medical students who visited both the legal and illegal facilities in Mthatha in 2015 for their assignment during the rotation of their subject of speciality.Result: The legal clinics are not user-friendly, the staff misbehave with the girls, they cast doubt on their confidentiality, and they take a long time to do the abortions, while the illegal abortionists charge money for their services but they are quick and keep confidentiality.Conclusion: Legal abortion clinics are not user friendly.
A Study on Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) in Ex-mineworkers of the Transkei. A Misunderstood Clinical Condition B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17721

Abstract

Background: There is no diagnostic indicative mark for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a general assessment of the patient leading to a diagnose as COPD. In most cases, there is a mixed picture of severe lung diseases including fibrosis, tuberculosis, silicosis, etc. In fact, COPD is the commonest and terminal entity in the majority of ex-mineworkers who were suffering primarily from the dust-lung-disease which is complex in origin. Objectives: To establish the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in ex-mineworkers of the Transkei, South Africa. Methodology: During the period of 28 May 1997 to 27 May 1999, 2080, ex-mineworkers were examined at the Benefit Examination Clinic (BEC) in the chest section of Umtata (Mthatha) General Hospital (UGH). Physical examination along with standard chest x-rays were carried out; the mining history of each worker was taken, and identification forms were completed. Results: There were 13% of ex-mineworkers suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Out of them, 56% of the subjects (COPD) were associated with conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. The rest (44%) were associated with other lung diseases like tuberculosis and silicosis. Out of this number, 33% were associated with tuberculosis and 11% with silicosis. Most of the ex-mineworkers were suffering from an association of diseases ranging from simple tuberculosis to silicosis and their secondary effects. Conclusion: Every seventh ex-mineworkers were suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. About half of them were having associated parenchymal diseases like tuberculosis and silicosis.
A case Report on the Estimation of Contractual Damage Caused by a Health and Rural University, South Africa BL Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17722

Abstract

Background: Contractual claims are mandatory for an employee who has either resigned/died or finished his or her contractual obligations. It is legally binding to an institution according to labor law. Case History: BM was such a victim who has been admired nationally and internationally but dehumanized in his own university through the process of three malicious disciplinary enquiries, two suspensions, forensic auditing, and stoppage of salary and birthday bonus. He was not allowed to go to the forensic pathology laboratory despite of the fact that he was all along a forensic pathologist. The harassment of BM became more rigorous in 2008, although he was victim long before that. The head of faculty was promoted later to a position of a university head. BM had an interest in research so he was publishing prolifically, but that disturbed the balance of the faculty staff as the rest of them contributed very little as per the report of the external assessor.1The harassment was not limited only to mental harassment but also at the same time financial losses to Mr. BM occurred. The Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) scale is supposed to be given to every health professional in South Africa who is working in the public sector and registered in Health Professions Council. The OSD scale started in 2009 but was not implemented for Mr. BM. Instead, Mr. BM, underwent a series of disciplinary enquiries. He was cleared all the charges and retired in 2018. The history of his research, contractual damages and other collateral losses are discussed in this report. Conclusion: There is heavy contractual damage which the Department of health and rural university has to pay from 1996 to 2018. This damage refers mainly to the short fall of salary and bonuses along with financial losses related to research.
A Study on the Characteristic Features of Covid-19 Deaths in a Regional Hospital in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa Kaswa RP; B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17723

Abstract

Background: Covid-19 is an acute health emergency to human beings all over the world. This pandemic has destabilised the day-to-day life of almost everyone. It is a challenge to scientists and politicians to initiate a return to normal human life from the grip of Covid-19 so that the economies of countries do not stop growing.Objective: To study the characteristics of Covid-19 deaths in a regional hospital in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.Method: It is a retrospective record review study of the cases of patients in Mthatha Regional Hospital (MRH) in South Africa who were not able to be saved.Results: There were 100 deaths in MRH. Of these 57 (57%) were females and 43 (43%) males. The average age was 63.3 years. Shortness of breath was the most common presenting symptom followed by weakness, a cough and fever. More than half of the Covid-19 cases had associated co-morbidity such as hypertension (50%), diabetes (37%) and HIV (15%). The mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) at the time of admission was 75.5±17 on pulse oximetry. Conclusion: The covid-19 mortality was 1.3 times higher among females in the regional hospital under study. The majority of the victims were suffering hypertension and diabetes.