Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension among Male Occupational Bus Drivers in North Kerala, South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension in a population of male bus drivers in North Kerala, India. Methods. The study population included male bus drivers of Corporation Bus stand Kozhikode, Kerala. Blood pressure, height, and weight of subjects were measured, and relevance was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Results. Age varied from 21 to 60 years (mean 36.5±8.4). Among 179 bus drivers studied, 16.8% (30/179) had normal BP, 41.9% (75/179) had prehypertension, and 41.3% (74/179) had hypertension. Isolated systolic HTN was seen in 6.70% (12/179) individuals. Out of 74 hypertensives, 9 (12.1%) were aware of their hypertension, while 3 (4.0%) were medicated and only 1 (1.3%) had BP adequately controlled. Age > 35 years (P = 0.015), BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 (P = 0.007), supporting more than four family members (P = 0.011), and taking main meals from restaurants on most working days (P = 0.017) were independently associated with HTN in binary logistic regression. Conclusion. Prevalence of hypertension was high among bus drivers. Age > 35 years, elevated BMI, supporting a large family, and dietary habits associated with the job showed significant association with hypertension. Primary and secondary prevention strategies need to be emphasized in this occupational group.

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Predictors of COVID-19-Related Perceived Improvements in Dietary Health: Results from a US Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13062097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 2097

Author(s):

Kelly Cosgrove ◽

Christopher Wharton

Keyword(s):

Dietary Habits ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Income Loss ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthy Eating Habits ◽

Health Related ◽

Survey Responses

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in substantial lifestyle changes. No US study has identified predictors of perceived dietary healthfulness changes during the pandemic period. This study included analyses of lifestyle and dietary healthfulness changes using 958 survey responses from US primary household food purchasers. Information was collected related to demographics, COVID-19-related household changes, and health-related habits before and during the pandemic. Binary logistic regression identified predictors of perceived increase in dietary healthfulness during the pandemic period. Overall, 59.8%, 16.4%, and 23.4% of participants reported that their eating habits likely changed, may have changed, and likely did not change, respectively. Of the participants whose dietary habits likely or may have changed, 64.1%, 16.8%, and 19% reported healthier, neither healthier nor less healthy, and less healthy eating habits, respectively. COVID-19-related income loss, more meals consumed with household members in front of the television, an increase in food advertisement exposure, increased perceived stress, and better perceived current health were significant predictors of a perceived increase in dietary healthfulness. Overall, dietary habits were perceived to become healthier during the pandemic. The predictors of perceived improvement in dietary healthfulness were surprising and indicate the need for further study of these factors in crisis and noncrisis situations.

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Knowledge, attitude, and practices about contraceptive in Western Rajasthan, India

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20182882 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (7) ◽

pp. 2786

Author(s):

Gayatri Aseri ◽

Sudesh Agrawal

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Over The Counter ◽

Medical College ◽

Study Population ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Background: This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraceptive methods among women attending a tertiary care hospital in Western Rajasthan.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, PBM and the associated group of hospitals, attached to Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Total 500 married women between age group 15-49 yrs were included. These all women interviewed using a structured questionnaire after approval of the hospital’s ethical committee.Results: Total 500 women interviewed for their knowledge, attitude, and practices about contraception. Out of which, 402 (80.4%) women had some knowledge of at least one contraception method at the time of the study. The most common sources of information about contraception were husband and family member. Amongst the various contraceptives most commonly known was condom (78.4%). Only 265 (53%) women were practicing contraception at present. Most commonly used contraceptive was condom (40.8%). The most common reason for the non-practice of contraception was need of more child or male child in 34.8% families followed by opposition from in-laws (12.4%).Conclusions: Literacy was positively associated with family planning related knowledge and practices. Preconception knowledge and practices about contraception are poor in our study population. Many of the women were getting MTP pills over the counter without consulting to health care persons and then later presents with complications.

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Assessment of Knowledge and Practice about Mosquito Born Disease among Rural Population of Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu

Asian Journal of Medicine and Health ◽

10.9734/ajmah/2019/v14i130092 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

V. Pragadeesh Raja ◽

G. Ravivarman ◽

E. Venmathi ◽

M. Salomi

Keyword(s):

Rural Area ◽

Social Factors ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Population ◽

Knowledge And Practice ◽

Breeding Place ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Background: Mosquito are one of the well known causing many diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Lymphatic Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis. They are more prevalent in rural area due to various social factors and lack of knowledge. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge of people and their practices regarding mosquito borne diseases in rural areas of Kancheepuram district, Tamilnadu. Materials and Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among the residents of Pooncheri, Kancheepuram district of Tamilnadu, between the period of August 2017 to September 2017 among 124 houses selected. After obtaining informed consent from the participants they were interviewed using a pretested semi structured questionnaire regarding their knowledge and practices on mosquito borne diseases. Results: The study reported that in case of any symptoms suspected to be of mosquito born disease majority of the study population 82.2% reported consulting doctors. The most preferred mode of prevention of mosquito bite was usage of spray (33.9%) in the breeding place followed by usage of electric repellents (31.4%). Conclusion: The study indicated that majority of the study population were unaware bout the prevention practices despite knowing about these diseases. Thus, arises the need for effective propagation in the rural area about prevention strategies of mosquito born disease through mass education and social media.

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Exercise-induced albuminuria is related to metabolic syndrome

AJP Renal Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajprenal.00481.2015 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 310 (11) ◽

pp. F1192-F1196 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Sharon Greenberg ◽

Shani Shenhar-Tsarfaty ◽

Ori Rogowski ◽

Itzhak Shapira ◽

David Zeltser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Urinary Albumin ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Metabolic Equivalents ◽

Before And After ◽

Study Population ◽

Exercise Induced

Microalbuminuria (MA) is a known marker for endothelial dysfunction and future cardiovascular events. Exercise-induced albuminuria (EiA) may precede the appearance of MA. Associations between EiA and metabolic syndrome (MS) have not been assessed so far. Our aim was to investigate this association in a large sample of apparently healthy individuals with no baseline albuminuria. This was a cross-sectional study of 2,027 adults with no overt cardiovascular diseases who took part in a health survey program and had no baseline MA. Diagnosis of MS was based on harmonized criteria. All patients underwent an exercise test (Bruce protocol), and urinary albumin was measured before and after the examination. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) values before and after exercise were 0.40 (0.21–0.89) and 1.06 (0.43–2.69) mg/g for median (interquartile range) respectively. A total of 394 (20%) subjects had EiA; ACR rose from normal rest values (0.79 mg/g) to 52.28 mg/g after exercise ( P < 0.001); this effect was not shown for the rest of the study population. EiA was related to higher prevalence of MS (13.8% vs. 27.1%, P < 0.001), higher metabolic equivalents ( P < 0.001), higher baseline blood pressure ( P < 0.001), and higher levels of fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and body mass index ( P < 0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression model showed that subjects with MS were 98% more likely to have EiA (95% confidence interval: 1.13–3.46, P = 0.016). In conclusion, EiA in the absence of baseline MA is independently related to MS.

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Energy drinks

Journal of Health Research ◽

10.1108/jhr-06-2019-0128 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 221-231

Author(s):

Towhid Hasan ◽

Marjia Sultana ◽

Md. Tareq Hossain ◽

Lima Khatun ◽

Md. Alauddin

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Potential Health ◽

Content Type ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Structured Questionnaire

PurposeThis research aimed to study patterns of energy drinks (ED) consumption among university students and to identify the determinants for their preferences.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 students from various departments of Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, by convenience sampling. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data.FindingsAbout 52.3 per cent of the students were between 21 and 23 years of age, and half of them were male. More than half (53 per cent) of the students had consumed ED at least once in their lifetime. Only 22.1 per cent of these consumers had any knowledge of the ingredients in ED, and 4.3 per cent did not know the possible negative impacts. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify the variables significantly associated with ED consumption among students. The risks of ED consumption were found to be: male gender (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.04; 95 per cent Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.36–6.92), father educated up to SSC (OR = 18.47; 95 per cent CI = 2.30–148.90) or college and above (OR = 17.01; 95 per cent CI = 2.31–135.60), smoker (OR = 3.87; 95 per cent CI = 1.61–9.35) and doing irregular physical activity (OR = 2.43; 95 per cent CI = 1.23–4.78).Originality/valueED consumption among university students is high, but their perception regarding the ingredients and potential health hazards is opaque. Therefore, it is imperative that at both community and individual levels, interventions should focus on educating and empowering individuals to make firm and positive decisions concerning their dietary habits and health.

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Technology Enhanced Learning in Undergraduate Pharmacology through Online Quizzes: A Pedagogical Approach and Medical Students’ Perspective

Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research ◽

10.3329/jcamr.v6i1.40776 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 14-17

Author(s):

Sujit Kumar Sarker ◽

Geethanjali Bhas ◽

Vijaya Marakala ◽

Mohammad Abdullah Yusuf

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Medical Curriculum ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Technology Enhanced Learning ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Population ◽

Online Quizzes ◽

Second Year ◽

Enhanced Learning ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Background: Technology enhanced learning in medical curriculum is expanding rapidly because of research showing the benefits for learners in terms of engagement, convenience, attainment and enjoyment. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to explore medical students’ perspective on technology enhanced learning in undergraduate pharmacology. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine during 2016 for a period of three (3) months. Second year MBBS students who were studying in the International Medical School, Management & Science University,Selangor, Malaysia with the age group of equal or more than 18 years of age with both sexes were selected as study population. Several online quizzes were conducted by Quizizz. Data were analysed after online quizzes using semi-structured questionnaire. Results: A total number of 42 students were involved in this study. Among these 35(83.33%) surveyed students were strongly agreed with timing for answering the questions however, 39(92.86%) strongly agreed that quizzes stimulate interest in pharmacology and 28(66.67%) strongly agreed that quizzes improve knowledge and skill in pharmacology. Most of the students suggested to continue online quizzes. Conclusion:Systematic analysis and stratification of students’ perceptions regarding technology enhanced learning initiatives such as online quizzes are essential in gaining insight for educational planning and interventions in pharmacology. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2019;6(1):14-17

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Post-destructive eye surgery, associated depression at Sekuru Kaguvi Hospital Eye Unit, Zimbabwe: Pilot Study

African Vision and Eye Health ◽

10.4102/aveh.v72i2.48 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 72 (2) ◽

Author(s):

M. M. Kawome ◽

R. Masanganise

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Current Management ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Systematic Random Sampling ◽

Eye Surgery ◽

Management Protocol ◽

Before And After ◽

Patient Health ◽

Study Population ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Destructive eye surgery is associated with more complications than just loss of visual functions of the eye and aesthetics. Currently there is very little published literature on post-destructive eye surgery associated depression. Zimbabwe has been experiencing a surge in the rate of destructive eye surgery done at the National Tertiary Eye Unit. This situation could be churning out lots of unrecognized depressed clients into the community who require assistance in one form or another.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of post-destructive eye surgery associated depression among patients attending Sekuru Kaguvi Hospital Eye Unit and assess if the current management protocol of patients undergoing destructive eye surgery at the Eye Unit addresses the problem adequately.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 28 randomly selected patients who had destructive eye surgeries at Sekuru Kaguvi Hospital was conducted over five months from 1st March 2012 to end of July 2012. A structured questionnaire containing 15 questions on the following items: gender, age, diagnosis, surgical procedure done, expectations before and after surgery, adequacy of counseling given and involvement of family was used to collect data. Nine questions to assess depression were adapted from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).Setting: The study was conducted at SekuruKaguvi Hospital Eye Unit, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.Results: Twenty-eight patients who underwent destructive eye surgery during the study period were selected using systematic random sampling. The gender ratio was 1:1 and the mean age was 38.7 years with a range from 24 to 65 years. Fifty percent of the patients in the study had orbital exenteration while the rest had enucleation (14%) and evisceration (36%). Twenty-eight percent of the study population had depression.Conclusion: Destructive eye surgery is frequently associated with depression and our current management protocol of patients undergoing destructive eye surgery does not address this problem.

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Dietary habits of Samoan adults in an urban Australian setting: a cross-sectional study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980015001998 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 19 (5) ◽

pp. 788-795 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kym C Perkins ◽

Robert Ware ◽

Lemalu Felise Tautalasoo ◽

Ranandy Stanley ◽

Lote Scanlan-Savelio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Relative Risk ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Younger Adults ◽

Key Characteristics ◽

Structured Questionnaire ◽

Socio Economic Factors

AbstractObjectiveTo describe key characteristics of the dietary habits of Samoans residing in Logan, Queensland and to compare these characteristics with comparable populations.DesignDietary intake was measured using a self-administered structured questionnaire between December 2012 and March 2013. Demographic characteristics included age and sex. Questionnaire results were compared with data from samples of Brisbane residents of similar social and economic characteristics and Pacific Islanders in New Zealand. The association between demographic characteristics and diet was investigated.SettingLogan, Queensland, Australia.SubjectsSamoans aged 16 years and older.ResultsA total of 207 Samoans participated, ninety-six (46 %) of whom were male. Of the participants, seventy-nine (38 %) were aged 16–29 years, sixty-three (30 %) were aged 30–49 years and sixty-five (31 %) were aged ≥50 years. Younger adults were significantly more likely to eat hamburgers, pizza, cakes, savoury pastries, potato crisps, sweets and soft drinks (all variablesP<0·001). Among Samoans, 44·7 % consumed two or more pieces of fruit daily, compared with 43·8 % of comparable Brisbane residents (relative risk=1·0; 95 % CI 0·8, 1·2). Three or more servings of vegetables each day were consumed by 9·2 % of Samoans compared with 36·6 % of comparable Brisbane residents (relative risk=3·8; 95 % CI 2·5, 6·0).ConclusionsSamoans are consuming significantly fewer vegetables and more discretionary foods than other populations. Socio-economic factors, length of stay in Australia and cultural practices may impact upon Samoans’ diets. Further comprehensive studies on Samoans’ dietary habits in Australia are recommended.

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PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG AMONG DRIVERS IN NORTH CHENNAI– A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

10.36106/ijar/8409918 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Aravind Raj G V ◽

Umashankar R

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Population ◽

The Mean ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Stage 1 ◽

Chennai City ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Background. Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in a population of drivers in Chennai, India. Methods. The study population included drivers working in Chennai city. Blood pressure, height, and weight of subjects were measured, and relevance was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Results. Age varied from 30 to 60 years with the mean age of 43 years. Among 400 drivers studied, 33% of them were hypertensive and based on diastolic and systolic blood pressure, 15% of them were in pre-hypertensive and 28% of the were in stage -1 HTN and 31% of them were in stage-2 HTN. Obesity, Smoking, alcohol and history diabetes play a major risk factor the development of hypertension Conclusion. Prevalence of hypertension was high among drivers. Life style may play a key role in the development of hypertension along with duration of work and behavioral pattern.Prevention strategies need to be emphasized in this kind of occupational group.

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Risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural population of Karad, Maharashtra, India: an observational study

International Journal of Advances in Medicine ◽

10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20194223 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

pp. 1584

Author(s):

Vaibhav Agrawal ◽

Ashok Kshirsagar ◽

Virendra Patil

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Rural Population ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Sedentary Lifestyle ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Present Cross Sectional Study ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Study Population

Background: Non-communicable diseases like DM2, cardiac diseases, chronic respiratory disorders, brain disorders like stroke have created a havoc in developing countries, especially India which harbors 2nd largest population in the world. The present study was planned in this area to capture the data regarding epidemiology, risk factors of DM2, and use this information to plan health program to formulate effective preventive measures, including raising general awareness about the disease in that geographical area.Methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out in population of Karad area of Satara district in Maharashtra state. The study duration was of 1 year, from 1st February 2018 to 1st February 2019.Results: Out of total 1100 study population in the present study, 99 (9%) were diagnosed as diabetics (DM2) while 1001 were normal/non-diabetics. Majority of the diabetic patients were of the age group 41 to 50 years. Females (47%) showed slightly more prevalence of diabetes as compared to males (53%). Majority of the diabetic patients were having sedentary lifestyle, which consisted of 69 patients (70%), which was statistically significant, as compared to non-diabetic group.Conclusion: Thus, findings of the present study amply clarifies that DM2 is on longer a disease of urban population. Its prevalence is increasing in rural population, as well. Lack of awareness, sedentary lifestyle, faulty dietary habits, etc. are some of the reasons for such high prevalence.

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