Articles

Obesity and Cholinesterase Level Related to Impaired Fasting Glucose in Indonesian Farmers

Obesity is characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat caused by mutations in the leptin gene and its receptors. In Indonesia, the incidence of childhood obesity increased from 6.4% in 2007 to 9.2% in 2010. The prevalence and risk factors for childhood obesity in rural Indonesia, particularly in Teluk Pandan Subdistrict, Pesawaran District, Lampung Province, have not been extensively studied. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors for childhood obesity in this rural-coastal area. A survey method was used for the prevalence study, and a case-control approach was used to identify risk factors. The study involved 94 students from elementary schools in Teluk Pandan, matched based on obesity status, gender, and age. Obesity was defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile of the CDC chart. Variables measured included dietary patterns, lack of physical activity, family income, parental obesity status, early introduction of complementary foods, and history of exclusive breastfeeding, analyzed using chi-square tests. The results showed that 148 out of 3190 children were overweight. Identified risk factors included excessive food consumption (p=0.0001; OR=15.622; CI95% 5.702-42.803), lack of physical activity (p=0.0001; OR=7.714; CI95% 2.868-20.751), high family income (p=0.0096; OR=2.202; CI95% 0.958-5.059), parental obesity status (p=0.0001; OR=24.5; CI95% 7.870-76.271), early introduction of complementary foods (p=0.0001; OR=4.567; CI95% 1.916-10.888), and non-exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.0005; OR=4.046; CI95% 1.605-10.201). The prevalence of childhood obesity in Teluk Pandan is 46% lower compared to urban areas in Indonesia. This study identifies several risk factors associated with childhood obesity in rural-coastal areas, including excessive food consumption, lack of physical activity, parental obesity, early introduction of complementary foods, and non-exclusive breastfeeding.

The Study to Assess the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Associated Risk Factors among Women

Aim: The present study aims to assess the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Associated Risk factors among women at SMCH.

Methods and Materials: A descriptive research design was used for the present study. A total 50 samples were collected using quota sampling technique. The demographic variable and level of prevalence of iron deficiency was assessed using structured questioner and, followed by that data was gathered and analyzed.

Results: The results the study revealed that there is a significant association with level of prevalence of iron anemia and associate risk factors among women at p<0.05.

Conclusion: Thus, the present study assessed the prevalence of iron anemia and associate risk factors among women and it was evident there is a lack of awareness and knowledge.

Regional Differences and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Cesarean Section Delivery in Bangladesh through Multilevel Poisson Regression Model

Cesarean section is the most challenging issue not only in developing countries but also in developed countries because it is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, where the majority of cesarean sections are unnecessary. Unnecessary cesarean delivery in Bangladesh is widespread and is responsible for long-term and short-term health complications for both mothers and children. This study aimed to assess regional differences and sociodemographic factors associated with cesarean section delivery in Bangladesh. The most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 data was used in this study. A total of 5,299 ever-married women who gave birth within the three years preceding the survey were analyzed. A multilevel Poisson regression model was used to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with cesarean section deliveries in Bangladesh. The prevalence of cesarean section deliveries was about 33.0%. The result showed that women’s aged 30-36 years (IRR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.01–1.22), women’s secondary education (IRR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.14–2.02), higher secondary education (IRR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.35–2.47), partner’s secondary education (IRR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.05–1.57),  higher secondary education  (IRR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.25–1.91), women living in the Dhaka division (IRR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04–1.43), women living in the Khulna division (IRR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.15–1.60), and women living in the Rajshahi division (IRR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.06–1.51), middle wealth index (IRR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.13-1.52), richest wealth index (IRR=1.59, 95% CI=1.37-1.84) and exposure to mass media (IRR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.27–1.64)  were significantly more to deliver by cesarean section. Therefore, attention to women’s age, education, partner’s education, division, wealth index, and exposure to mass media might help policymakers make appropriate strategies and policies that would contribute to avoiding unnecessary cesarean section deliveries in Bangladesh.

Prevalence and Pattern of Sexual Assaults among the Mentally Ill attending the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Background: Sexual assault among the mentally ill has become a common trend of public health concern occurring in various forms and perpetrated by different classes of individuals. It has become a more accurate predictor of suicidal ideation and attempt than any other form of abuse.

Aim: This study determined the prevalence and pattern of sexual assaults among the mentally ill attending the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among attendees of Neuropsychiatric Outpatient Clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). A structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics and other factors were self-administered to 75 patients diagnosed with various psychiatric disorders by consultant Psychiatrists at the out-patient clinic via a systematic random sampling method. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data.

Results: Majority of the mentally ill patients were male (81%), had tertiary education (58.7%), and between the ages of 21 and 30 (44%). The most common mental illness experienced by victims of sexual assault include depression 21(28.0%), the least being sleep and personality disorders 1(1.3%). 16% reported that they had experienced sexual assault, and majority (38.7%) reported that the assault occurred when they were between the ages of 10 and 18. Majority of perpetrators of sexual assault were siblings 5(6.7%), followed by mother 3(4.0%). Some percentage was strangers (1.3%), with the rest being either a visitor to the house (1.3%), or neighbor (1.3%). Only (2.7%) of those who experienced sexual assault reported the assault, (9.3%) did not report it, while 66 (88%) had no response.

Conclusion: Sexual assault among the mentally ill is on the rise and manifests in several forms. Measures should be taken by all stakeholders including the government to curb this ugly trend.

Prevalence of Intestinal Perforation Due to Typhoid Fever in the General Surgery Department of Nangarhar Regional Hospital

Typhoid is a systemic disease caused by S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi, and its specific clinical features include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. Typhoid is still a major problem in developing countries, mostly caused due to poor sanitation and improper drainage system.

This study is conducted in descriptive form, and all the patients admitted to the General Surgery Department of Nangarhar Regional Hospital had intestinal perforation due to typhoid. The number of patients was 30, who were included in this research. To diagnose the disease, radiological and laboratory tests were done.

The results of the research showed that the incidence of intestinal perforation due to typhoid was (3.3%) in less than 10 years old, 26.6% in the group age 11-20 years old, 23.3% were 21-30 years old, 13.3% in 31-40 years old, 13.3% in 41-50 years old, 13.3% in 51-60 years old and 6.9% were the patients had more than 60 years of age. The occurrence of incidence was based on sex, 18 cases (60%) were male, and 12 cases (40%) were female patients. After the analysis and interpretation of the data, it was found that the ratio of cases in males was higher than in females. According to the clinical record, 100% of the patients had abdominal pain and fever, 80% had abdominal distension, 36.6% had vomiting, 16.6% had diarrhea, and 13.3% had constipation. The results of diagnosis of typhoid-based examination, the cases by abdominal x-ray were 90% and ultrasound 83.4%. Based on the results, it is clear that the abdominal x-ray gave better results than the ultrasound. It is worth mentioning that the incidence of intestinal perforation was 96.6% in the distal ileum and 3.4% in the jejunum.

In conclusion, stomach pain, fever, and abdominal distension were more common than all other symptoms in cases of intestinal perforation due to typhoid. The most important method for diagnosis is an abdominal X-ray, and most cases occur in the terminal part of the ileum.

Study to assess the Prevalence of Hypertension in Baznagar, Lucknow

Introduction:- Hypertension is a major public health problem and important area of research due to its high prevalence and being major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other complications. Hypertension to have many deleterious effects on the body that puts people at a higher risk of developing other illnesses and diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. High blood pressure is the single largest risk factor for disease burden worldwide.
Objectives:- To assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors.
Materials and Methods:- A cross-sectional study was undertaken in a rural area of Baznagar, Lucknow. Data was collected by face to face interview technique after verbal informed consent. Convenient sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A total 100 study subjects aged 20-45 years was used. Socio-demographic sheet and B.P. Record sheet were used to collect data.
Results:- Out of 100 participants 36% were found to be hypertensive and 64% were non hypertensive. Majority (52.8%) males were hypertensive and (47.2%) females were hypertensive. There is significant relationship between hypertension and gender among subject (P=0.005). Majority of subject were found hypertensive in the age group of 20-28 years but there is no significance relationship between hypertension and age (P=0.143)
Conclusion:- Around one –third of the subjects were hypertensive (36%) and half of the study subjects were non-hypertensive (64%) in this area.

Problems of Distribution and Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

This article provides an overview of the literature data on the problem of the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some pathophysiological aspects of this pathology are analyzed. The authors conclude that gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common clinical problem that affects millions of people around the world, according to some reports, up to 25–30% of the adult population is affected by it. Patients are recognized by both classic and atypical symptoms. GERD is associated with lifestyle factors, in particular obesity and tobacco smoking, which also threatens overall health.