-
Risk Factors of Diabetes Mellitus in Zambezi Region, Namibia
Erica Libuku,
Lischen Haoses-Gorases
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
83-89
Received:
26 March 2021
Accepted:
8 June 2021
Published:
17 November 2021
Abstract: Zambezi region was reported to have the highest number of diabetes cases in 2012 (health information system) HIS of the MOHSS. No study, has considered to identify the risk factors of diabetes mellitus in Zambezi region. The Objectives of the study was to identify demographic, socio-economic, knowledge, anthropometric, familial and behavioural factors that are independently associated with diabetes among a sample of the general population in Zambezi region. The study used analytical cross-sectional design to investigate the etiology of the disease as it is manifested in Zambezi region. Data was collected from a sample of 646 respondents specifically from 4 constituencies of Zambezi region in Namibia. Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS Version 22. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages in Tables as well as Figures. The study found that physical inactivity and lack of knowledge regarding risk were two risk factors for diabetes in Zambezi region. Summary of demographical findings indicated that 12 participants (1.9% of the sample), were in the age group between 15 and 19 years, while 151 respondents (23.4%) were between the ages of 30 and 34. Of 646 participants (100%), 51.7% (334) were female and 48.3% (312) were male. Relationship status, revealed that 43.2% (279) of the respondents had never been married, 37% (239) are married and 7.1% (46) are divorced whereas five percent (5%, 32) were cohabitate with their partners but are not married. Furthermore, 1.4% (9) of those unmarried couples are currently separated. The main conclusion that can be drawn is that physical inactivity and lack of knowledge regarding risk were the main factors contributing to the high number of diabetes mellitus cases in Zambezi region.
Abstract: Zambezi region was reported to have the highest number of diabetes cases in 2012 (health information system) HIS of the MOHSS. No study, has considered to identify the risk factors of diabetes mellitus in Zambezi region. The Objectives of the study was to identify demographic, socio-economic, knowledge, anthropometric, familial and behavioural fact...
Show More
-
Breastfeeding Practices Among Infants and Young Children in Bushenyi, Uganda: Influence of Maternal Knowledge and Occupation
Solomon Adomi Mbina,
Gali Magaji,
Amuko Fanuel,
Theophilus Pius,
Abalinda Gorret,
Ahumuza Nicholas Mavine,
Nagasha Lucky,
Asiimwe Ronald,
Swase Dominic Terkimbi,
Kembabazi Stellamaris
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
90-97
Received:
5 November 2021
Accepted:
23 November 2021
Published:
2 December 2021
Abstract: Breastfeeding has proven to be a reference standard for infants’ and young children nutrition worldwide. Improvement of breastfeeding rates is important if lives of under-five age children are to be saved yearly. In Uganda, malnutrition remains a serious health problem contributing significantly to both infant and child mortality and this has been attributed to low levels of breast feeding practices. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of knowledge and occupation of mothers on breastfeeding practices of infants and young children in Bushenyi, Uganda. A heath facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among lactating mothers who attended Kyabugimbi health center IV, Ishaka Adventist Hospital and Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH). Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire from 346 participants. Majority (87.6%) of the participants had knowledge of the right time to initiate breast milk, majority (87.3%) and (93.9%) had good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding duration respectively. Majority (87.6%) of the mothers initiated breast milk within 1 hour of child birth. Only 31.9% of children above 6 months were exclusively breastfed. Majority (81.9%) of the mothers practiced complementary breastfeeding for at least 2 years. House wives have 42% [OR: 1.42, 95% (1.31-3.88) x2=0.79] higher odds to practice breastfeeding while mothers whose occupation is studentship have 2 times [OR: 2.04, 95% (1.31-3.88) x2=1.767] higher odds to practice breastfeeding optimally. Young children in Bushenyi district are at risk of malnutrition and childhood diseases as breastfeeding practices especially exclusive breastfeeding do not meet the national and WHO target and recommendation given that only three in ten children were exclusively breastfed. A combination of rural health outreaches and health education could be a possible option for the improvement of breastfeeding practices in the region.
Abstract: Breastfeeding has proven to be a reference standard for infants’ and young children nutrition worldwide. Improvement of breastfeeding rates is important if lives of under-five age children are to be saved yearly. In Uganda, malnutrition remains a serious health problem contributing significantly to both infant and child mortality and this has been ...
Show More
-
Roles and Associated Sociodemographic Correlates of Male Involvement in Breastfeeding in Juba, South Sudan
Tobijo Denis Sokiri Moses,
Ebenezer Obi Daniel,
Zecho Gatkek Gatka-al,
Wani Silas Lubang,
Ahmed Mamuda Bello,
Paul Olaiya Abiodun,
Israel Olukayode Popoola,
Adebanke Adetutu Ogun,
Christiana Asibi-Ogben Inegbeboh,
Michael Olabode Tomori,
Friday Iyobosa Igbinovia,
Oladapo Michael Olagbegi,
Gabriel Omoniyi Ayeni
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
98-104
Received:
7 November 2021
Accepted:
25 November 2021
Published:
2 December 2021
Abstract: Optimal breastfeeding, which involves initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, giving colostrum, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and introducing complementary food at six months, prevents under-five deaths in developing countries, saving millions of lives annually. The maximum effect of prolactin and oxytocin on milk production is dependent on insulin, insulin-like growth factors, cortisol, and the intake of nutrients and fluids. Stress affects these factors and processes, reducing the quantity and quality of milk for the growth and health of the baby. The supportive or non-supportive role of male partners affects the mothers' physical and emotional states. The researchers administered a structured questionnaire of 13 close-ended questions through scheduled interviews with 275 male parents of children younger than two years. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 analyzed the data to generate frequencies, median, and interquartile range as measures of dispersion and central tendency, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation test did the calculations of correlations. Fathers helped with house works, responding to the baby's cries and bathing the baby (86%); taking care of other children or other house responsibilities (85%); taking care of the baby while the mother sleeps for a bit of time (85%) and smiling, holding and watching the mother as she breastfeeds (91%). Roles were correlated with education level (r=.308, p=0.000<0.05) and employment (r=-.155, p=.007<0.05) but not with hours of work (r=0.049, p=0.448>0.05).
Abstract: Optimal breastfeeding, which involves initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, giving colostrum, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and introducing complementary food at six months, prevents under-five deaths in developing countries, saving millions of lives annually. The maximum effect of prolactin and oxytocin on milk production is...
Show More
-
Low Level Laser Therapy and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
105-107
Received:
8 November 2021
Accepted:
10 December 2021
Published:
24 December 2021
Abstract: A novel treatment modality for the treatment of COPD is presented. A patient story in which a patient was brought from a pulmonary capacity of 25% to a pulmonary capacity of 44% over a series of 13 treatments is presented. The patient in question had a concomitant improvement in quality of life that is hitherto unheard of in this patient category. This study was neither planned nor theorized. On the contrary, it came about due to a patient query that caught me by surprise. Where she was before the treatment unable to carry out many activities of daily living without assistance, she was after the treatment able to carry out nearly all her activities of daily living without assistance. A case for the dissemination of this effective treatment is made. Low level laser therapy definitely has its place in the treatment of any inflammatory process for which reason it is clearly relevant in the COPD sphere. Experience of the author in related fields is shortly presented as well as the political and financial aspects discussed. There is no doubt that low level laser therapy will enjoy much further dissemination in the years to come, and this article is a step in that direction.
Abstract: A novel treatment modality for the treatment of COPD is presented. A patient story in which a patient was brought from a pulmonary capacity of 25% to a pulmonary capacity of 44% over a series of 13 treatments is presented. The patient in question had a concomitant improvement in quality of life that is hitherto unheard of in this patient category. ...
Show More
-
The Effect of Hypothyroidism on Pulmonary Function in School-age Children
Rahaf Sleman,
Ahmed Chreitah,
Maamoun Hakim
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
108-111
Received:
31 October 2021
Accepted:
23 November 2021
Published:
24 December 2021
Abstract: Background: Hypothyroidism is a relative public health problem in pediatric, associated with increased morbidity due to multisystemic impairment including deleterious changes in lung function. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess lung function in children affected by hypothyroidism. In addition to, comparison lung function between clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: An Observational Comparative Cross-Sectional study was conducted in 40 patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism and 40 healthy children aged 6-14 years. They are selected from Endocrinology and General Pediatric Clinic, Tishreen University Hospital between August 2020 and August 2021. Weight and height were measured and body mass index BMI was calculated. Blood samples were taken and TSH, FT4 were measured. Results: A total of 80 children, 30 males (37.5%) and 50 females (62.5%) with mean age 10.4±2.1 years were included in the study. Out of the 80 children, 40 (50%) were euthyroidism, 20 (25%) were with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 20 (25%) were with clinical hypothyroidism. BMI was higher in patients with clinical hypothyroidism compared to other groups with significant difference (p: 0.04). A statistically significant decrease in FEV1, FVC, and increase in FEV1/FVC were seen in children with clinical hypothyroidism compared to other children (p: 0.0001). Significant negative correlation was seen between TSH and FEV1 (r:-0.36, p: 0.02), FVC (r:-0.64, p: 0.0001), and positive correlation with FEV1/FVC (r: 0.44, p: 0.004). Positive correlation was found between FT4 and FEV1 (r: 0.88, p: 0.04), FVC (r: 0.49, p: 0.001) and negative correlation with FEV1/FVC (r: -0.43, p: 0.006).
Abstract: Background: Hypothyroidism is a relative public health problem in pediatric, associated with increased morbidity due to multisystemic impairment including deleterious changes in lung function. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess lung function in children affected by hypothyroidism. In addition to, comparison lung function between clinical...
Show More
-
Investigating Anxiety and Depression in Medical Students with Premenstrual Syndrome
Razhan Chehreh,
Batol Solaimannzhad,
Zolaykha Karamelahi,
Sara Mohammadnjad
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
112-117
Received:
19 November 2021
Accepted:
23 December 2021
Published:
31 December 2021
Abstract: Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder in women that decreases their emotional, behavioral, and physical functioning. It also affects their family relationships and social and educational activities. Recognizing the factors associated with PMS can be helpful in planning to alleviate the complication. The aim of this study was to investigate the anxiety and depression in medical students with premenstrual syndrome. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 300 students at Ilam University of Medical Sciences took part during three menstrual cycles from August to December in 2016. The participants were selected through convenient sampling. For data gathering, PSST screening questionnaires, Beck Depression Inventory, and Spielberger Anxiety Scale were utilized. Data analyses were done using T-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA in SPSS 19 (P<0.05). Results: Totally, 137 participants (44.7%) had premenstrual syndrome. This syndrome is more common in the age range 20-25 (61.9%) in unmarried girls (72.4%). Mean menstrual cycle length and bleeding duration were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean score of depression in students with and without PMS was 7.72±5.93 and 5.86±4.88 respectively. In addition, the mean score of anxiety in students with and without PMS was 44.47±7.21 and 42.32±5.74 respectively. Therefore, the two groups were significantly different in terms of depression (p=0.003) and anxiety (p=0.004). Conclusion: The symptoms of anxiety and depression are more common among young and unmarried students with premenstrual syndrome.
Abstract: Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder in women that decreases their emotional, behavioral, and physical functioning. It also affects their family relationships and social and educational activities. Recognizing the factors associated with PMS can be helpful in planning to alleviate the complication. The aim of this study was ...
Show More