Research Articles (Statistics & Population Studies)

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    An examination of the mortality rate associated with teenage pregnancy in South Africa
    (SAGE Publications Ltd, 2024) Sithole, Tronic; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
    This study investigates factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in South Africa and their impact on maternal mortality. Twenty participants were purposively sampled for one-on-one interviews using a mixed-methods and descriptive study design. SPSS software analysed the data, revealing reduced risk factors through educational policies. Teenage mortality rates from pregnancy and maternal health issues are lower than the rates in adults, with high blood pressure, abortion and injuries being the leading causes of adolescent death. The study emphasises a significant public health concern in South Africa, influencing women’s life expectancy due to socioeconomic barriers and insufficient awareness of danger signs, urging prioritised policies and programmes.
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    The factors determining female unemployment in South Arica: Evidence from the 2021 labour force survey
    (Union for African Population Studies, 2024) Mfubu, Anele; Philomene, Nsengiyumva
    The persistent high unemployment confronting South Africa, in particular among women continues to be a cause of concern. The study set out to look at the factors driving female unemployment in South Africa in an attempt to contribute to efforts to find a solution to the problem of female unemployment. This study estimated the prevalence of female unemployment and identified its predictors in South Africa. Quarterly Labour Force Survey covering the fourth quarter of 2021 and a weighted sample of 13322 women aged 15-64 years were used. The dependent variable of interest was unemployment, while the independent variables were the age, population group, marital status, level of education, province of residence and geographic type. The analysis was conducted at bivariate and multivariate levels. It was found that female unemployment rates are significantly influenced by factors that include level of education, women in youth age category, differed among population group and marital status. The female unemployment varied significantly among provinces of residence and geographic type, with the highest prevalence rates observed in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Limpopo. The study further found high unemployment rate in urban areas while traditional areas had high rates of discouraged job seekers.
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    Risk factors associated with a history of iliotibial band syndrome (hitbs) in distance runners: A cross-sectional study in 76 654 race entrants – a safer xxxiii study
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2024) Jordaan, Esme Renette; Marais, Jandre; van Rensburg, Audrey Jansen
    Background: Despite the numerous health benefits of distance running, it is also associated with the development of ‘gradual onset running-related injuries’ (GORRIs) one of which is Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS). Novel risk factors associated with a history of ITBS (hITBS) have not been described in a large cohort of distance runners. Objective: To identify risk factors associated with hITBS in distance runners. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: 21.1 km and 56 km Two Oceans Marathon races (2012–2015). Participants: 106 743 race entrants completed the online pre-race medical screening questionnaire. A total of 1 314 runners confirmed an accurate hITBS diagnosis. Methods: Selected risk factors associated with hITBS explored included: demographics (race distance, sex, age groups), training/running variables, history of existing chronic diseases (including a composite chronic disease score) and history of any allergy. Prevalence (%) and prevalence ratios (PR; 95% CI) are reported (uni- & multiple regression analyzes). Results: 1.63% entrants reported hITBS in a 12-month period. There was a higher (p < 0.0001) prevalence of hITBS in the longer race distance entrants (56 km), females, younger entrants, fewer years of recreational running (PR = 1.07; p = 0.0009) and faster average running speed (PR = 1.02; p = 0.0066). When adjusted for race distance, sex, age groups, a higher chronic disease composite score (PR = 2.38 times increased risk for every two additional chronic diseases; p < 0.0001) and a history of allergies (PR = 1.9; p < 0.0001) were independent risk factors associated with hITBS.