Health-related quality of life among farm workers in victor Khanye district, South Africa
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Date
2021
Authors
Hlophe, Zanele
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Abstract
Background
Farm workers’ social and economic conditions often have an impact on their health, their
ability to live fulfilling lives, and thus their HRQoL. The study sought to investigate and
describe HRQoL among farm workers.
Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design was used on a sample of
191 (n=191) farm workers from seven farms within the Victor Khanye Municipality in
Mpumalanga. The SF-36 Health Survey was used and descriptive and inferential data
analysis was done.
Results: Female median scores were lower than those of males, which is suggestive of
poorer HRQoL in females. There was no statistically significant relationship between any
of the eight domains of the SF-36 with education and duration of employment.
Existence of a chronic disease was significantly associated with Role Limitations due to
physical health, and history of injury was found to be significantly associated with Physical
Functioning, Energy/Fatigue and General health.
Low median scores in the General Health domain were observed on all the socio demographic features used in this study.
Recommendations: A qualitative study to explore the needs of farm workers and
expansion of currently provided services and incorporation of occupational health care
services into the existing services.
Conclusion: Socio-demographic features play a role in HRQoL. Overall, farm workers
rated their health as good. However, low mean scores in all socio-demographic aspects
in the General Health domain are an indication of perceived poor HRQoL.
Description
A research report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science in Nursing to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021