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Lipid Profile Analysis of Patients in a Saudi University Clinic
Yasser Taher Al-Hassan,
Eduardo L. Fabella
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, September 2017
Pages:
89-95
Received:
4 April 2017
Accepted:
17 April 2017
Published:
24 May 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20170203.11
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Abstract: Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in Saudi Arabia. Abnormal lipid levels are asymptomatic but detected by fasting lipid profile analysis. This study sought to determine the patterns of lipid levels of King Faisal University (KFU) clinic patients and to identify any gender, nationality and age group differences in the mean levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The results of lipid profile examination of 1,541 KFU clinic patients were compiled and subjected to descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS version 20. The National Institutes of Health Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) was used for classifying the lipid profiles. Majority of the patients had desirable and borderline high levels of TC and TG as well as optimal and near optimal LDL-C. Most of the patients had borderline and low HDL-C. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were more common among men than in women. Men also tend to have low HDL-C and high LDL-C. Hypercholesterolemia, low HDL-C, high and very high LDL-C were more common among Saudis while hypertriglyceridemia was more common among non-Saudi patients. Hypercholesterolemia was more common in the 50 – 59 age group. High TG, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C were more common among 40 – 49 year old patients. The mean values of TC, TG, and HDL-C differed significantly across gender and nationality groups. The mean values of all four components of the lipid profile differed significantly across age groups. Lipid profile varies across gender, nationality and age. The risk for CVD related to lipid abnormalities is greater for Saudi men who are 40 – 59 years old. The university should develop age and gender-specific strategies for primary and secondary prevention of CVD such as therapeutic lifestyle change and lipid screening guidelines.
Abstract: Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in Saudi Arabia. Abnormal lipid levels are asymptomatic but detected by fasting lipid profile analysis. This study sought to determine the patterns of lipid levels of King Faisal University (KFU) clinic patients and to identify any gender, na...
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A Retrospective Investigation of a Measles Outbreak in a District in North-western Nigeria
Omole Victoria Nanben,
Musa Emmanuel,
Audu Onyemocho,
Gajere Julius,
Peter Elisha
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, September 2017
Pages:
96-101
Received:
6 April 2017
Accepted:
26 April 2017
Published:
8 June 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20170203.12
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Abstract: The prevalence of measles has been drastically reduced by well over 70% globally, through vaccination with a proven and potent vaccine. Despite these efforts, children under 5 years of age in many developing countries remain plagued by it’s scourge in recurrent waves of epidemics. This study retrospectively investigated an outbreak of measles by reviewing surveillance, epidemiologic and laboratory records, including Integrated Disease Surveillance & Response (IDSR) forms, measles line lists, routine immunization reports, vaccine ledgers etc. A total of 422 cases were reported, 96% of whom were children under 5 years. Estimated mortalities were 20 (representing a case fatality rate of 4.7%). Vaccination among cases was very low as most of the children (99%) had never received any measles vaccine. Intensified efforts, in order to increase herd immunity among birth cohorts through routine immunization and innovative methods of positively influencing resistant sub-groups within the population towards embracing vaccination are non-negotiable in attaining higher immunization coverages.
Abstract: The prevalence of measles has been drastically reduced by well over 70% globally, through vaccination with a proven and potent vaccine. Despite these efforts, children under 5 years of age in many developing countries remain plagued by it’s scourge in recurrent waves of epidemics. This study retrospectively investigated an outbreak of measles by re...
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An Assessment of Factors Influencing Access to Skilled Delivery in the Sunyani West District in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana
Awuni Prosper Mandela Amaltinga,
Ninsawu Nicholas Nakpan,
Narh Vanessah,
Mary Osei Bonsu,
Abrefa Bridget
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, September 2017
Pages:
102-110
Received:
26 March 2017
Accepted:
18 April 2017
Published:
15 June 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20170203.13
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Abstract: Maternal morality has long been an Achilles heel for many developing nations due to lack of adequate health care and family planning services, near absence or minimal access to skilled labour and emergency care, pregnancy complications such as haemorrhage and sepsis. With the Millennium Development goals fast approaching, most developing nations are still in a race to meet set targets. In this study, the objective is to ascertain factors influencing access to skilled delivery in the Sunyani West District of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. We specifically sought to assess the relationship between antenatal clinic attendance and use of skilled delivery, identify socio- cultural barriers impeding pregnant women from accessing skilled delivery and know if “task- shifting” and use of alternative cadres to provide skilled delivery is feasible. As an explorative cross-sectional case study design, the study was conducted among pregnant women in the Sunyani West district. Questionnaires were the instruments for data collection. Analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 for windows. There was a relationship between awareness of antenatal services and attendance of Antenatal services. Also, a relationship between attendance of antenatal before childbirth and the places that the women in the district usually deliver their children was established. In addition, there was a relationship between the respondents’ family having a tradition of giving birth at the hospital and the choice of the places that the women in the district usually deliver their children. The study recommended that in order to solve the challenges associated with skilled delivery a multifaceted approach need to be adopted.
Abstract: Maternal morality has long been an Achilles heel for many developing nations due to lack of adequate health care and family planning services, near absence or minimal access to skilled labour and emergency care, pregnancy complications such as haemorrhage and sepsis. With the Millennium Development goals fast approaching, most developing nations ar...
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage Among Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Busari Olusegun Adesola,
Gabriel Olusegun Emmanuel,
Agboola Segun Matthew,
Ajetunmobi Oluwaserimi Adewumi,
Adebara Idowu Oluseyi,
Elegbede Olayide Toyin
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, September 2017
Pages:
111-115
Received:
7 June 2017
Accepted:
6 July 2017
Published:
2 August 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20170203.14
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Abstract: The survey was to determine the frequency of usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the factors associated with it among patients attending the general outpatient department of a tertiary care centre in Nigeria. It was carried out also in the Department of Family Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional survey in which one hundred and twenty eight (128) patients were enrolled. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics and other questions on knowledge and usage of CAM; satisfaction with previous usage and willingness to discuss it with their doctors. One hundred and eight (84.4%) of 128 reported that they were currently using or had used some form of CAM. Mean age of the patients was 46.8 ± 17.3 years. Fever and pains are the commonest conditions or illnesses for which CAM was used. Sixty eight (53.1%) of the patients said they were seeking treatment for the same conditions and illnesses for which they had used CAM and 46 (40%) reported that they felt CAM has helped their conditions and illnesses. CAM usage is very common among patients attending the hospital. Although only few patients learn about CAM from their doctors, majority of them think that it is important for doctors to be educated about the therapies. Doctors and other healthcare professionals need more education about CAM so that they can handle its use by their patients more effectively.
Abstract: The survey was to determine the frequency of usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the factors associated with it among patients attending the general outpatient department of a tertiary care centre in Nigeria. It was carried out also in the Department of Family Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. It was a c...
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Eliciting Salient Beliefs About Physical Activity Among Female Adolescent in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study
Basmah Fehaid Al-Harbi,
Manal Fehade Al-Harbi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, September 2017
Pages:
116-123
Received:
9 July 2017
Accepted:
17 July 2017
Published:
9 August 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20170203.15
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Abstract: The present study aimed to explore the salient beliefs of female adolescent in Saudi Arabia that may influence their intentions with regards to engagement in physical activity. The three constructs of Theory of Planned Behaviour were used to identify the behavioural, normative and control beliefs that influence the decision to engage in physical activity. Open-ended interviews were conducted by Skype with 25 students during June 2016. Twenty-one modal salient beliefs were identified that influenced whether or not participants decided to engage in physical activity. These included behavioural beliefs (e.g. physical activity relieves stress) normative beliefs (derived, e.g., from social media) and control beliefs (e.g. weather and lack of suitable female facilities are obstacles to physical activity). The Saudi government’s new roadmap for economic and social development that targets improving female access to sport, health interventions should target the salient beliefs explored in this study. Additionally, its findings should guide further theory-based quantitative research in this area when structuring closed-ended questionnaire items.
Abstract: The present study aimed to explore the salient beliefs of female adolescent in Saudi Arabia that may influence their intentions with regards to engagement in physical activity. The three constructs of Theory of Planned Behaviour were used to identify the behavioural, normative and control beliefs that influence the decision to engage in physical ac...
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