Browsing by Author "Mboma, T. Alexander"

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    Knowledge, attitudes and practices of mine workers on health hazards of uranium at Kayerekera
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2010-07-01) Mboma, T. Alexander
    Uranium mining exposes people to radiation. Radiation exposure is responsible for the high mortality and morbidity among uranium miners. Among the many reported diseases among uranium miners are cancers and chromosomal aberrations. Malawi is experiencing an increase rate of cancer incidences. Cervical cancer is the most frequent cancer affecting Malawian women, accounting for as much as 26.8% of all cancer cases among this population. Kayerekera is the first Uranium mine in the history of this nation. As such there is no policy on the ground regulating uranium mining. About knowledge of mine workers on radiation health hazards, the IAEA SAFETY GUIDE (2004) stipulates that the employer is responsible to ensure that every occupationally exposed worker and supervisor is given appropriate training in radiation protection practices for the operation. and is informed of the nature, sources and potential health effects of exposure to radiation and radioactive substances, and of their control by means of the maintenance of proper ventilation and shielding systems, proper personal hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment where applicable. This study therefore will assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of mine workers on health hazards of Uranium mining at Kayerekera Uranium mine. This study will use the Health Belief Model and it is of a descriptive quantitative design of cross section in nature with a sample of 100 conveniently selected mine workers. The subjects will be interviewed using a questionnaire and the data collected will be analyzed using a computer software package called SSP. The rights of subjects will be considered. Permission will be sought from the Research and Publications Committee, The Ministry of Health, The Ministry of Energy and Mines and Paladin Malawi. An informed consent will be sought from the voluntary participant after a detailed explanation. They will be assured of confidentiality and anonymity.