Racial Groups In South Africa Research Articles

The age at which adult height is achieved during adolescence in the Birth to Twenty Cohort, Johannesburg, South Africa

Background. The core of the study involves comparing the secular trends in height among self-reported black and white racial groups in South Africa (SA). The white group represents that part of the population that has always been affluent and therefore has growth trends comparable with those of developed nations of the world. In comparing the groups, we wanted to see the extent to which the black population has caught up, if it all, since the introduction of democracy in 1994. Objectives. To establish the age at which linear growth plateaus; to compare the age of growth cessation and the achieved adult height between sexes and racial groups in SA; and to compare data from the Bone Health Cohort with previous similar studies to ascertain the secular trend. Methods. We analysed prospective data of 569 individuals who had annual anthropometric assessments from age nine until 20 years (1999 - 2010). The SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR) statistical programme was used to model height and age at growth cessation. Results. There was a total of 183 black females, 93 white females, 205 black males and 88 white males. Black and white females achieved adult height at a similar age (15.1 and 15.3 years), but black females were 5.7 cm shorter. Black and white males achieved their adult height at 17.5 and 16.5 years, respectively, black males being 4.6 cm shorter. Mean adult black male height is currently 170.7 cm v. 166.9 cm in 1971, while there were no significant secular changes in the other groups. Conclusions. There has been a positive secular growth trend in height over 30 years among black males, but no changes in the other groups.

The development of South African higher education within the apartheid system (1948-1994) – selected aspects

The article include the consideration of development of South African Higher Education System in Apartheid Era (1948-1994). Particular emphasis was placed on reconstructing educational practices and policy that is implemented toward different racial groups in South Africa. An attempt was made at examining the relationship between schooling, segregation processes, discrimination practices and the development of higher education institutions.

The association between race and Crohn's disease phenotype in the Western Cape population of South Africa, defined by the Montreal Classification System.

BackgroundInter-racial differences in disease characteristics and in the management of Crohn's disease (CD) have been described in African American and Asian subjects, however for the racial groups in South Africa, no such recent literature exists.MethodsA cross sectional study of all consecutive CD patients seen at 2 large inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) referral centers in the Western Cape, South Africa between September 2011 and January 2013 was performed. Numerous demographic and clinical variables at diagnosis and date of study enrolment were identified using an investigator administered questionnaire as well as clinical examination and patient case notes. Using predefined definitions, disease behavior was stratified as ‘complicated’ or ‘uncomplicated’.ResultsOne hundred and ninety four CD subjects were identified; 35 (18%) were white, 152 (78%) were Cape Coloured and 7(4%) were black. On multiple logistic regression analysis Cape Coloureds were significantly more likely to develop ‘complicated’ CD (60% vs. 9%, p = 0.023) during the disease course when compared to white subjects. In addition, significantly more white subjects had successfully discontinued cigarette smoking at study enrolment (31% vs. 7% reduction, p = 0.02). No additional inter-racial differences were found. A low proportion of IBD family history was observed among the non-white subjects.ConclusionsCape Coloured patients were significantly more likely to develop ‘complicated’ CD over time when compared to whites.

Trends in demographics and management of obstructing colorectal cancer.

Obstructing colorectal cancer (CRC) has an aggressive clinical course and poorer prognosis. With the increasing incidence and differing clinical and pathologic spectrum of CRC among Black patients, as well as a paucity of African studies, regional analysis is required. Our aim was to describe the demographics and management of obstructing CRC among the different racial groups in South Africa and to compare these parameters with international standards. Patients referred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa, with CRC between 2000 and 2012 were followed prospectively. Demographic information, site of obstruction, and management of patients who underwent emergency surgery for malignant large bowel obstruction were analyzed separately. CRC was diagnosed in 1,425 patients. A total of 203 three patients (14.3 %) required emergent treatment for acute large bowel obstruction. The mean age at presentation with obstructing CRC was 59 years. Black patients presented significantly younger (50 years) than White (64), Indian (60), or Colored (61) patients (p < 0.001). The most common sites of obstruction were the sigmoid colon and rectum. A total of 58 patients (29 %) had concomitant metastatic disease. No difference was found between race, sex, and sex per race in patients with concurrent metastatic disease (p = 0.227, p = 0.415, p = 0.798, respectively). Of the 203 patients, 128 (63 %) were managed by resection, 37 (18 %) by colonic stenting, 35 (17 %) by colostomy, and 3 (2 %) by colonic bypass. Stenting was unsuccessful in six patients. Tumor location of patients presenting with obstruction is comparable to that cited in international literature; however, the age of presentation among Black patients is more than a decade earlier than in other ethnic groups. Surgical management should be individualized. Stenting remains a reliable alternative in select cases.

Differences in body composition and occurrence of postural deviations in boys from two racial groups in South Africa

Little is known about ethnic differences in developing countries like South Africa, particularly with regard to occurrence of postural deviations and body composition profiles. The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of postural deviations and body composition among two racial groups in South Africa. The sample (n = 219) consisted of 79 African boys and 140 Caucasian boys. Anthropometric (BMI and percentage body fat) and body posture measurements were performed. Measurements were taken according to the standard procedures of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). A posture grid and the New York Posture Test were used for all postural assessments. Independent t-tests (p Key words: Postural deviations, BMI, fat percentage, body composition, ethnic, South Africa.

An alternative placement as an effective measure for easing negative consequences of child sexual abuse

The removal of children from their homes in case of sexual abuse by a close relative or neighbour may be criticized as increasing their level of distress. However reports by 22 young survivors of child sexual abuse in South Africa proved otherwise. The findings revealed that alternative placement (especially a welfare institution) could help in facilitating recovery from the negative consequences of child sexual abuse because it permits separation from the abusers, a place where the abuse had occurred and from people who reacted negatively towards them after disclosure. When removed to alternative placements, their sense of security increased and they also they benefit from the presence of additional support received from agencies and community members who provided volunteer services to the welfare agencies. They also had access to professional therapy. The recommendation is that alternative placement ease negative consequences of child sexual abuse, however it should not be prolonged. It could be effective if it is accompanied by regular home visits during weekends and holidays. Also, non-abusive family members should be encouraged to visit the child in an alternative placement. While removed from their homes, their safety should not in any way be threatened and they should receive proper treatment from care workers. The findings reported in this paper were obtained by means of in-depth interviews conducted on one-to-one basis with young survivors recruited at welfare institutions in South Africa by means of snowballing. Participants were in the age range of 16-23 years, and belonged to three racial groups in South Africa: White, Coloured (mixed race) and Blacks. All children have been sexually abused by either a close relative or a neighbour. They were 21 females and a male.

Differences in body composition and prevalence for postural deviations in girls from two racial groups in South Africa

Little is known about ethnic differences in developing countries such as South Africa, particularly with regard to prevalence of postural deviations and body composition profiles. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence rate for postural deviations and body composition status among two racial groups in South Africa. The sample (n = 216) consisted of 89 African girls and 127 Caucasian girls. Anthropometric (BMI and percentage body fat) and body posture measurements were performed. A posture grid and the New York Posture test were used for all posturalassessments. Independent t-tests and effect sizes demonstrated that in the 11 and 13 year old group the Caucasian group had a significantly higher (p

Cardiac diseases in three racial groups in South Africa.

Cardiac diseases in three racial groups in South Africa.

Health disparities between racial groups in South Africa: A decomposition analysis

This article explores the sources of self-rated health status inequalities among South Africans. We propose a decomposition of observed health disparities between racial groups using a procedure based on an extended version of Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition methods which addresses explicitly the specificities associated with the analysis of subjective measures. This method allows for a decompositions of differences in self-rated health status between races and isolates what may be due to observed socioeconomic inequality between racial groups, i.e. an “indirect racial effect” (Whites and Africans with different socio-economical characteristics have different health), from what could be due to unexplained racial differences, i.e. a “direct racial effect” (Whites and Africans with similar socio-economical characteristics have different health). Unsurprisingly, we find a strong indirect racial effect in favor of Whites. However, our analysis tends to show that the issue of direct racial discrimination on health is more complex and closely linked with that of economical inequality and discrimination. Our results thus stress the necessity not only to open access for Africans to the more sophisticated sector of health care but also to provide them with the economical opportunity to use it.

Consumer satisfaction with community mental health care in Durban

This study presents a consumer evaluation of the delivery and aspects of services provided at three community run mental health centres with the aim of using this information to improve the services in future for quality assurance. &#x0D; &#x0D; Opsomming&#x0D; Hierdie studie handel oor 'n verbruikersevaluering van die lewering van dienste en aspekte daarvan wat aan die drie gemeenskapsonder-houdende geestesgesondheidsentra gelewer is met die doel om hierdie inligting te gebruik om die dienste in die toekoms vir kwaliteits-versekering te verbeter.&#x0D; &#x0D; *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Health Disparities between Racial Groups in South Africa: A Decomposition Analysis

This paper explores the sources of self-rated health status inequalities among South Africans. We use data from the October Household Survey conducted in 1999 covering more than 100,000 individuals, which provide valuable information on health as well as structural explanatory variables at the individual as well as at the household level. We apply an ordered probit model to capture the ordinal nature of the response variable. Our results show that Africans and Whites, even if endowed with identical characteristics, are nonetheless facing different health risks, which reveals that some form of discrimination is taking place, Whites enjoying better health risks coverage and receiving more expansive health care of better quality than Africans. We propose a decomposition of observed health disparities between racial groups using an extended version of Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition methods (Oaxaca, 1973; Blinder, 1973) to deal with the ordered probit model. This method allows for a decompositions of differences in self-rated health status between races and isolates what is due to structural socio-economical differences between racial groups (indirect segregation), from what is due to a permanent racial segregation phenomenon concerning access to health care and type/quality of treatment (direct segregation). We find a strong indirect segregation in favor of Whites. Our analysis of direct segregation tends to show that the issue of racial discrimination on health is very much linked with that of economical discrimination. Our results thus stress the necessity not only to open access for Africans to the more sophisticated sector of health care but also to provide them with the economical possibility to use it.

Kissing the cobra: Sexuality and high risk in a generalised epidemic—a case study of White university students

This paper explores the social factors that may account for the way the HIV-AIDS epidemic is unfolding in a racially segmented and socially differentiated society. As a sexually transmitted infectious disease that particularly infects adolescents and decimates young adults, there is an urgent need to critically assess assumptions about the influence of culture and social relations on differences in patterns and the scale of infection across racial groups in South Africa. The point of departure is the recognition that while nationally there is a generalised epidemic of gigantic proportions, the epidemic among young White adults is still nascent. Through a qualitative exploration of White student perceptions of risk, sexual networking and practices in an HIV-AIDS environment, this small study hopes to shed light on some of the social and cultural issues surrounding the epidemic.

Reflections of Black Women Faculty in South African Universities

The qualitative study on which this article is based, examines the experiences of Black, junior-rank female faculty in South Africa universities. The data demonstrate that, while gender discrimination is a global phenomenon that affects many women in the professoriate and while gender inequities are common across all racial groups in South Africa, the experiences of Black women faculty highlight the overlap of race and gender and the multiple ways in which these women scholars continue to be marginalized.

Patterns of renal disease in South Africa

Summary: The prevalence and patterns of renal disease in the different racial groups in South Africa is reviewed. South Africa is populated by four groups: Blacks, Whites, Indians and ‘Coloured’ or Mixed race. In 1994, the South African Dialysis and Transplant Registry (SADTR) recorded 3399 patients (99 pmp) on treatment for end‐stage renal failure (ESRF). Glomerulonephritis (GN) was recorded as the cause of ESRF in 1771 (52.1%) patients and hypertension (HPT) in 1549 (45.6%) patients. In a study of 394 patients with ESRF in our unit, HPT was the cause of ESRF in 32% of Blacks and 24% of Indians, GN in 25% of Blacks and Indians and 33% of ‘Coloured’ patients, while analgesic nephropathy caused ESRF in 33% of White patients. A study of 3632 patients with ESRF reported HPT as the aetiology in 4.3% of Whites, 13.8% of Indians and 34.6% of Blacks, with 57% of the latter having malignant hypertension. of adult Black patients with primary GN, 36% had mesangiocapillary GN, while 21% had membranous GN and 10.7% minimal change disease. Black children have a low prevalence of minimal change disease: 13.5% compared with 75% in Indians. IgA nephropathy is rare in Blacks and has been reported in two patients in another study. Hepatitis B infection occurred in 73% of Black children with membranous GN. Prevalence data for hepatitis C‐associated GN is lacking, but antibody‐positive figures of 4.8–21% have been reported in South African dialysis and transplant patients. Prevalence figures for HIV‐associated renal disease are not available. Public health measures are being actively implemented and should modify the prevalence and pattern of renal disease in South Africa.

Racial Politics and Nationalism: The Case of South Africa

This paper addresses itself to the politics of race as a sub-field of the sociology of race relations. It offers a conceptual framework for use in the sub-field by formulating a new concept called `racial politics' and reformulating the concept of nationalism to link it with racial politics as defined. This is done with a view to casting light on certain theoretical and historical issues in the study of South African race relations, including (1) the importance of identifying different patterns of interaction between race and politics; (2) the identification of the conflict in South Africa as not simply a racial conflict; (3) seeing the use of racial categories for political mobilization by subordinate racial groups in South Africa as the result of the imposition of racial distinctions rather than from characteristics inherent in race itself; (4) recognizing that race and nationalist politics are connected but not identical; and (5) realizing that nationalisms based on race can in fact be racially inclusive.

Extrapunitive, Intropunitive and Impunitive Responses of Indian Students to Different Racial Groups in South Africa

The Rosenzweig P — F Study was administered to a group of South African Indian students (N = 403) from the University of Durban-Westville with slight modifications in administration. The subjects were divided into three groups and were instructed to react to Blacks in Group A, to Whites in Group B, and to Indians in Group C. The results indicated that the subjects differed in their responses to the three racial groups revealing predominantly intropunitive and impunitive responses to Blacks, and extrapunitive responses to Indians.

Intracranial space-occupying masses in mental hospital patients: necropsy study.

During a three year period 1970--1973 necropsies were performed on 200 patients who died in a mental hospital in the Transvaal, South Africa. There was no selection of cases other than availability of consent for postmortem examination. The necropsy rate for this period was 56%. The patients belonged to three racial groups, Black, White, and Coloured, the latter being defined as those of mixed blood. Among these 200 cases, 27 were found at necropsy to have an intracranial space-occupying mass. Mention is made of the literature dealing with the incidence and diagnosis of intracranial space-occupying masses in mental hospital patients, and the incidence of intracranial space-occupying masses in the different racial groups in South Africa.

Diabetes and related variables among the five main racial groups in South Africa: comparisons from population studies.

Summary We have investigated the total prevalence of diabetes and related factors among representative, randomly chosen samples of the five ethnic groups living in Cape Town, and (East) Indians in Durban. Comparisons are hindered by differences in age distribution of the populations, while small, isolated groups were found to be unrepresentative. The variability of a single individual's blood sugar levels led us to require at least three abnormal values on 2 different days for a positive diagnosis. The use of different criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes varying from ‘lax’ to ‘stringent’ alters the discovered prevalence in our groups by the factor of approximately 2. Mean blood glucose levels rose with middle age but never between childhood and early adulthood. Afternoon screening tests appeared valid, despite the agreed diurnal difference in glucose tolerance figures. Both high screening blood glucose levels and diabetes itself were most common among Indians and coloured people and least among Whites and Bantu, each of the latter having a total diabetes prevalence of approximately 3·5% over age 15. It is noted that the Cape Coloured have more diabetes than any of the constituent races from which they originated. The reasons for such racial differences are unclear—obesity cannot be the explanation here, since, to take one example, the fattest group of all, the Bantu women, have the lowest prevalence of diabetes. We found mild diabetes not uncommon among young people under 20 in the Indian, Malay and coloured population but none among White or Bantu. There was little difference between the sexes, and if anything the poorer people had more diabetes than the better-off.

Binocular resolution and perception of race in South Africa.

Our experiment uses a newly developed method for research in social perception: a brief stereoscopic presentation of pairs of racial photographs. Members of the four major racial groups in South Africa—Europeans, Coloureds, Indians, and Africans—serve both as judges and as photographic stimulus material. The factor of eye dominance is controlled.While the stimulus material itself accounts for many of the findings, there is clear evidence that ‘directed state’ factors are also at work. White South Africans, especially the Afrikaners, seem to manifest a ‘perceptual vigilance’ in their judgements. They report racially mixed photographs to be either pure European or full‐blooded African more often than do judges of other races. This tendency is consistent with the bifurcation (judgements of ‘black’ or ‘white’) known to be characteristic of people who are apprehensive concerning race relations.The use of meaningful stimuli presented in a setting of binocular rivalry offers new promise for the study of cultural and personal determinants in perception.

Race Relations in South Africa as an International Problem

J AM dealing today with a subject which has aroused and continues to arouse the strongest of emotions both inside South Africa and in the rest of the world. Policies for the solution of this problem of white and black in South Africa cause friction not only between white and black in the country, but also between whites as a group and the blacks as a group in South Africa and outside South Africa. The bitterness is directed from almost all peoples, in all countries, not only against the policies of the present Government in South Africa but against the white people as a whole. I am going to try, as impartially as I am able, first to give a view of present conditions in South Africa, and secondly to consider the relation of these conditions to change in the world as a whole. I believe that the most important factor in the South African situation is the numerical one. Out of a total population of thirteen million, the numerically dominant group, the Africans, numbers about 9 million. The next group in numerical importance is the white group, the Europeans, who number almost 3 million. The third group is the so-called Coloured people, a people of mixed race, and they number approximately a million to I,250,000. Last is the smallest racial group-the Asian group-which numbers over 400,000 and which should reach 500,000 within the next decade. I sihould like to say a word or two about each of these groups. The Africans, although dominant in number, are the most backward as far as the attributes of Western civilization are concerned and in consequence are found at the bottom of the labour scale. They are by no means a unified group and this is in fact a sad feature of each of these racial groups in South Africa. The Africans comprise some hundreds of different tribes and speak four major languages and one minor one, so that when educated Africans meet to discuss their affairs they usually use English as their medium. Particularly among the educated Africans there is a growing sense of unity-of unity in opposition to the other racial groups in the country, and particularly to the white group-but it is a great mistake to think of South Africa at this time as a country in which all whites are opposed to all the blacks or vice versa. There still take place regularly among the Africans the most savage battles, in which hundreds are involved on either side and which have to be stopped by the intervention of the European police. The majority of Africans are still in a very primitive I64