Population Groups In South Africa Research Articles

Lung cancer 1978-1981 in the black peoples of South Africa.

Mortality data on lung cancer among the black populations of South Africa, newly available from the first ever nation-wide enumerations, are analysed for age-specific rates and significant geographical and intertribal variations. This study finds a higher incidence at younger ages than among whites, an urban excess similar to other population groups in South Africa and a higher incidence among the Xhosa than Zulu. It is suggested that an anti-smoking campaign is urgently required among blacks in South Africa.

Anthropogenetic relationship between Negro population groups in South Africa based on genetic distances

The present study aims to establish the anthropogenetic relationship between Negro population groups in South Africa. The method applied for this purpose is based on the calculation of genetic distances for which several formulae have been developed in the recent scientific literature.

Variance in rotavirus infection rates in different urban population groups in South Africa

Rotavirus infection in black infants contrasts markedly with that of white infants in being much less common and showing no seasonal variation. In this multicentre study in Johannesburg, the aetiology of winter infantile gastroenteritis in black, coloured, and white infants was investigated. Stools were examined by electron microscopy and also by enzyme-immunoassay to detect subparticular antigen which may be missed by electron microscopy in patients presenting late in the course of the illness. Stools were also examined bacteriologically by conventional techniques. Rotavirus was the most common pathogen in all three population groups with bacteria playing a relatively minor role. Striking differences were observed in the rotavirus rates between the three groups. Infection in the whites was five times more common than in the blacks (60% versus 12%) with the coloureds intermediate at 40%. The hypothesis was put forward that the relative protection of the black population may be due to a greater degree of colonization of neonates, thus inducing protection against symptomatic infection at the target age of 6 to 24 months. This may well have important implications in immunoprophylaxis. The reason for the lack of seasonal variation in the black population is still unclear.

Enkele Fasette Van Ons Bevolkings- En Verhoudingsprobleme

Abstract KEY FACTS OF SOUTH AFRICA'S POPULATION AND INTERGROUP PROBLEMS: In terms of the present and ,future growth and distribution of the different population groups in South Africa we are forced to take perhaps a more realistic view of certain facts: 1. We live in a South Africa which will increasingly become black. Our country is part of Africa.2. Attitudes and images that we hold on both sides of the ethnic language or physical lines or borders in a more densely populated South Africa, are as important as the available material resources or means of living in our country. Adjustments would have to be made in our traditional patterns or views on housing for the masses, the employment of blacks, and our social and political institutions on various levels.3. As a result of the relatively high growth rate of the developing population groups in our country. we are faced with the possibility of a widening gap between the have's and have not's. While this is perhaps a universal phenomenon and problem, it does assume a somewhat different dimension in a multi-racial country.4. In such a mass society increasing demands will be made on our means and methods for effective and meaningful communication. Against this background certain priorities f or the social scientists could be underlined. It is suggested that we are still in need of a great deal of descriptive and applied social research. We still need to show “the one half of London how the other half lives”, such as during the times of Charles Booth. In view of the manpower shortage better co-ordination and team work especially in the field of research would be required. Finally it is suggested that with reference to the problems of population and family planning the study of values and motivation still remain of basic importance. Because in the final instance these are social problems: the problems concerning education and development for the masses.