scholarly journals Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Premarital Screening of β-thalassemia among Undergraduate Students in Bangladesh

Author(s):  
Samina Pervin ◽  
Hafiza Sultana ◽  
Tanvir Ahmed ◽  
Aysha Haque ◽  
Md. Golam Abbas ◽  
...  

Introduction: Thalassemia is the most common congenital single gene disorder in Bangladesh. Considering the nature of the disease inherited from parents, thalassemia can effectively be prevented by premarital blood screening before marriage. The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding premarital screening of β-thalassemia among undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 156 undergraduate students of 2 universities at Dhaka University and American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) from January to December 2019. Data were collected by pretested semi-structured questionnaire through face to face interview. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 23.   Results: It was found that about 49.5%, 43.6% and 7.1% of respondents had poor, average and good knowledge about premarital screening of β-thalassemia respectively where there was statistical significance between the  level of knowledge and the parental consanguinity and the family history of thalassemia (p-value<.05). On the other hand, 66.7%, 32.1% and 1.3% had poor, average and good awareness in this regards respectively. The level of awareness was significantly associated with the parental consanguinity, family history of thalassemia, monthly income and family type (p-value<.05).   Conclusion: This study showed knowledge and awareness levels among undergraduate students regarding premarital screening of β-thalassemia were insufficient. The thalassemia prevention can be enhanced by a well-organized educational program focusing on thalassemia and early screening in young adults.   Keywords: Thalassemia; gene disorder; premarital blood screening

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 205521732096049
Author(s):  
Mohammed AlJumah ◽  
Hessa Al Otaibi ◽  
Ghada Al Towaijri ◽  
Ahmed Hassan ◽  
Abid Kareem ◽  
...  

Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic CNS inflammatory disease commonly affecting young adults. Both genetics and environmental factors have been reported to have a role in pathophysiology of the disease. Objective This article aims to report familial nature and aspects of MS in Saudi Arabia. Method The study utilized data collected by the National Saudi MS Registry between 2015 and 2018; especially data relevant to the familial history of MS. SPSS 22 was used for all analysis and reporting. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. Results The registry included 20 hospitals and a total of 2516 patients from the different regions of Saudi Arabia with median age 32.00 (Range: 11–63) and 66.5% being female. About 12.8% of all registered patients reported a family history of MS (95%CI: 11.2-13.9). Reported parental consanguinity was significantly higher among patients with family history (FMS) (56.3%) compared to non-FMS patients (27.9%). 42.53% of FMS patients reported having siblings affected with MS (95%CI: 37.01–48.21), with more female siblings affected than males (63.4% vs 36.6% respectively). Conclusion Our Findings suggested that FMS was less prevalent than what was reported previously; however, parental consanguinity was significantly more prevalent among FMS patients than non-FMS. Our findings were in line with those reported in recent studies in the region, but lower than those reported by western countries indicating that increasing prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia could be multifactorial and other environmental factors should be considered for understanding this recent rise in the prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 117 (6) ◽  
pp. 1911-1916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan L. Slager ◽  
Kari G. Rabe ◽  
Sara J. Achenbach ◽  
Celine M. Vachon ◽  
Lynn R. Goldin ◽  
...  

Abstract Prior genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified 10 susceptibility loci for risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). To identify additional loci, we performed a GWA study in 407 CLL cases (of which 102 had a family history of CLL) and 296 controls. Moreover, given the strong familial risk of CLL, we further subset our GWA analysis to the CLL cases with a family history of CLL to identify loci specific to these familial CLL cases. Our top hits from these analyses were evaluated in an additional sample of 252 familial CLL cases and 965 controls. Using all available data, we identified and confirmed an independent association of 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that met genome-wide statistical significance within the IRF8 (interferon regulatory factor 8) gene (combined P values ≤ 3.37 × 10−8), located in the previously identified 16q24.1 locus. Subsetting to familial CLL cases, we identified and confirmed a new locus on chromosome 6p21.3 (combined P value = 6.92 × 10−9). This novel region harbors the HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DRB5 genes. Finally, we evaluated the 10 previously reported SNPs in the overall sample and replicated 8 of them. Our findings support the hypothesis that familial CLL cases have additional genetic variants not seen in sporadic CLL. Additional loci among familial CLL cases may be identified through larger studies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Aslam ◽  
Shabana NA ◽  
Mehboob Ahmed

Abstract Background: Hereditary cancer susceptibility syndrome (HCSS) has been reported to impact cancer predisposition at an early age, therefore, identification of HCSS has found to be crucial for surveillance, managing therapeutic interventions and referring the patients and their families for genetic counselling. The aims of this study are to assess the prevalence of HCSS as hereditary leukemia and hematologic malignancy syndrome by using ACMG guidelines and to assess parental consanguinity as the criterion for referring patients for the genetic counselling. Methods: A total of 300 acute lymphoblastic leukemia subjects were recruited from the Children’s Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan during the period of December 2018 to September 2019. Structured self-reporting questionnaire based on family and medical history of the disease was utilized for the data collection.Results: In our cohort, 60.40% of ALL patients were identified to have HCSS and among them 40.65% patients solely fulfil the criteria due to the presence of parental consanguinity. Parental consanguinity was shown to have protective impact on the onset at early age of disease [OD=0.44 (0.25-0.77), p-value= 0.00] while family history of cancer increase the risk of cardiotoxicity [OD= 2.46 (1.15-5.24), p-value=0.02]. Parental consanguinity in the population shows no significant impact on the family history of cancer and the number of relatives with cancer. Conclusions: The higher prevalence of HCSS in Pakistani population is attributed to the presence of parental consanguinity in more than 50% of the patients when assessed through ACMG guidelines. Our study suggests revisiting ACMG guidelines for the criterion of parental consanguinity in the highly consanguineous population and formulating the score based criteria for the identification of inherited ALL for genetic counselling.


2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18
Author(s):  
Irina Franciuc ◽  
Cristina Maria Mihai ◽  
Alina Martinescu ◽  
Loredana Mariana Aftenie ◽  
Adina Honcea

AbstractThe aim of this study was to present the cases with family history of type 1 diabetes in a group of pediatric patients from the Clinic of Pediatrics, Constanta County Hospital, and to analyze the risk for relatives conferred by presence of particular DR genotypes. 8 out of 60 index cases had relatives affected with type 1 diabetes (13.33%). Of these, four had firstdegree relatives affected (6.67%) and were presented here. Although high-risk genotypes were more frequent in the group of familial cases, no association was found between DR genotype and family history of type 1 diabetes when statistical significance was tested (p value 0.119).


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e001948
Author(s):  
Marion Denos ◽  
Xiao-Mei Mai ◽  
Bjørn Olav Åsvold ◽  
Elin Pettersen Sørgjerd ◽  
Yue Chen ◽  
...  

IntroductionWe sought to investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults who participated in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), and the possible effect modification by family history and genetic predisposition.Research design and methodsThis prospective study included 3574 diabetes-free adults at baseline who participated in the HUNT2 (1995–1997) and HUNT3 (2006–2008) surveys. Serum 25(OH)D levels were determined at baseline and classified as <50 and ≥50 nmol/L. Family history of diabetes was defined as self-reported diabetes among parents and siblings. A Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) for T2DM based on 166 single-nucleotide polymorphisms was generated. Incident T2DM was defined by self-report and/or non-fasting glucose levels greater than 11 mmol/L and serum glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody level of <0.08 antibody index at the follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to calculate adjusted ORs with 95% CIs. Effect modification by family history or PRS was assessed by likelihood ratio test (LRT).ResultsOver 11 years of follow-up, 92 (2.6%) participants developed T2DM. A higher risk of incident T2DM was observed in participants with serum 25(OH)D level of<50 nmol/L compared with those of ≥50 nmol/L (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.86). Level of 25(OH)D<50 nmol/L was associated with an increased risk of T2DM in adults without family history of diabetes (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.62 to 9.24) but not in those with a family history (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.62, p value for LRT=0.003). There was no effect modification by PRS (p value for LRT>0.23).ConclusionSerum 25(OH)D<50 nmol/L was associated with an increased risk of T2DM in Norwegian adults. The inverse association was modified by family history of diabetes but not by genetic predisposition to T2DM.


Author(s):  
Brain Guntoro ◽  
Kasih Purwati

Hypertension is one of the number one causes of death and disability in the world. Hypertension contributes nearly 9.4 million deaths from cardiovascular disease each year. Hypertension can cause undesirable effects, it needs good handling, one of them is by doing a hypertension diet. To carry out a hypertension diet requires knowledge, lack of knowledge can increase risk factors for hypertension. This study aims to determine the relationship of the level of knowledge about hypertension diet to the incidence of hypertension in the elderly at the Baloi Permai Public Health Center Batam City. This research method is an analytic observational with a cross-sectional approach conducted at the Baloi Permai Public Health Center Batam City 2018. Sampling technique is a total sampling with a sample of 64 people in 2018 determined by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of the study were analyzed with frequency distribution and then tested with the Chi-square test. Based on the results of this study indicate that of the 64 respondents found elderly who have a good level of knowledge are 41 people (64.1%), 48 people (75.0%) have an age range between 60-70 years. 27 people (42.2%) elderly have the last high school education and 40 people (62.5%) have jobs as entrepreneurs. Elderly people who have normal blood pressure are 40 people (62.5%), and those affected by hypertension are 24 people (37.5%). The elderly who have a family history of hypertension is 21 people (32.8%) and those who do not have a history of hypertension are 43 people (67.2%). Chi-Square Test analysis results show the significance value p = 0.009. This number is significant because the p-value is smaller than the significance level (α) ≤ 5% (0.05), so H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Therefore it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship about the level of knowledge about the hypertension diet to the incidence of hypertension in the elderly. From the results of this study it was concluded that there was a relationship between the level of knowledge about the hypertension diet and the incidence of hypertension in the elderly at the Baloi Permai Public Health Center Batam City in 2016.


Author(s):  
Inês Carolina Siqueira Freitas ◽  
Micheli Cristiane Hintz ◽  
Larissa Chaiane Orth ◽  
Tamara Gonçalves da Rosa ◽  
Betine Moehlecke Iser ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The present study aims to compare the maternal and fetal outcomes of parturients with and without a gestational diabetes diagnosis. Methods A case-control study including parturients with (cases) and without (control) a gestational diabetes diagnosis, who delivered at a teaching hospital in Southern Brazil, between May and August 2018. Primary and secondary data were used. Bivariate analysis and a backward conditional multivariate logistic regression were used to make comparisons between cases and controls, which were expressed by odds ratio (OR), with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) and a statistical significance level of 5%. Results The cases (n = 47) were more likely to be 35 years old or older compared with the controls (n = 93) (p < 0.001). The cases had 2.56 times greater chance of being overweight (p = 0.014), and a 2.57 times greater chance of having a positive family history of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference regarding weight gain, presence of a previous history of gestational diabetes, height, or delivery route. The mean weight at birth was significantly higher in the infants of mothers diagnosed with diabetes (p = 0.01). There was a 4.7 times greater chance of macrosomia (p < 0.001) and a 5.4 times greater chance of neonatal hypoglycemia (p = 0.01) in the infants of mothers with gestational diabetes. Conclusion Therefore, maternal age, family history of type 2 diabetes, obesity and pregestational overweightness are important associated factors for a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-99
Author(s):  
K.A. Durowade ◽  
O.E. Elegbede ◽  
G.B. Pius-Imue ◽  
A. Omeiza ◽  
M. Bello ◽  
...  

Background: Substance use is a global public health problem with increasing burden among university students. This study assessed the prevalence, pattern and risk factors of substance use among undergraduate students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of undergraduate students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data collection tool was a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Statistical significance was set at p value <0.05Results: The respondents’ mean age was 19.5 ± 2.0 years and all 416 (100.0%) were aware of substance abuse. The prevalence of substance use was 299 (71.9%). Alcohol 133 (32.0%) and over-the-counter drugs (29.9%) were the two most commonly used substance. Being male (p=0.017) and in 400 level (p=0.047) were associated with substance use while curiosity 112 (37.5%), peer pressure 95 (31.8%) and school stress 85 (28.4%) were reasons given. Predictors of substance use were being a female (aOR: 2.54; 95% CI=1.89-3.66; p=0.011), civil servant mother (aOR: 5.75; 95% CI=1.90-17.4; p=0.002) and mother with secondary education (aOR: 5.27; 95% CI= 2.20- 12.65; p<0.001).Conclusion: There was high prevalence of substance use with curiosity, peer pressure and school stress being influencers of substance use among the study population. Predictors of substance use were being a female, civil servant mother and mother with secondary education. The University authority should institute measures to prevent access to alcohol and other substances by the students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (05) ◽  
pp. 891-894
Author(s):  
Shahid Ishaq ◽  
Ejaz Mazari ◽  
Fazal ur Rehman

Objectives: Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common type of seizures and typically transpire in children with ages from 6 to 60 months. This study was planned to find out major clinical risk factors for seizures in febrile children who were aged 6 to 60 months. A total of 100 febrile children aged 6 to 60. Study Design: Analytical Study. Setting: Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan. Period: From 1st April 2018 to 31st December 2018. Material & Methods: Group A had 40 children with febrile seizures while group B had 60 febrile children but without seizures. Demographic features along with family history of (H/O) epilepsy as well as family history of febrile seizure, types of seizure and infection diseases were noted and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Odds ratio was calculated for various risk factors. Chi square test was applied and P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of a total of 100 children, there were 54 (54.0%) male and 46 (46.0%) female. There was no statistical difference in terms of gender between the two groups (p value = 0.566). Overall, mean age of the children was 26.02 months with standard deviation of 13.4 months. There were 28 (70.0%) children who reported with simple seizures while complex seizures were found in 12 (30.0%) cases. Statistically significant difference (p value = 0.001) was seen in terms of types of infections between the two study groups. When risk of seizures for various risk factors was calculated, family H/O FS, family H/O epilepsy, and upper RTI were as 14, 7 and 3 times respectively and turned out to be the major risk factors for seizures in febrile children. Conclusions: Family H/O FS, family H/O epilepsy and upper RTIs are the major risk factors related with seizures in febrile children. Measures to prevent these risk factors can decrease the burden of FS in our population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Tirtha Man Shrestha ◽  
Laxman Bhusal ◽  
Shankar Raut ◽  
Rajan Ghimire ◽  
Poonam Shrestha

Objective: Hypertension is one of the common non-communicable health problems. While pharmacologic intervention is the most efficient way to control hypertension; non-adherence to medication is accounted as a significant cause for complications. This study was to address and to determine the magnitude of non-adherence among hypertensive patients by summarizing the associated risks factors among patients in community level. Method: This is a cross sectional study conducted on hypertensive patients who visited the community health clinic at Dhading, Nepal on 9th and 10th June 2018 using a pre structured questionnaire. Patients were sampled by nonprobability purposive sampling method. Effect of age, gender, marital status, employment, education level, presence of diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, current smoker, and family history of hypertension were analyzed by compliance of antihypertensive drugs using frequency distribution, chi-square test, and logistic regression. For all of the analysis p value <0.5 was considered as significance. Results: 150 patients were included in the study, out of whom 48 patients were found adherent and 102 patients non-adherent to antihypertensive medication. Out of total population 46% (n=69) were male and 54% (n=81) were female with no significant difference between compliant and noncompliant groups (OR= 1.512, p-=0.292). Mean age of patients in complaint group was 57 years and in non-compliant group was 52 years with odds ratio of 0.959 (p= 0.004, 95% C.I =0.933-0.987). However, there was no significant effect of marital status, employment status, and family history of hypertension on adherence to anti-hypertensive medication. Presence of diabetes had significant effect on adherence to medication (OR= 8.494, p= 0.014). The most common reason for non-adherence was the fear of getting stuck with medication for lifetime (n=31, 30.3%) followed by the use of ayurvedic/home remedy (n=27, 26.5%), unaware of complications (n=16, 15.7%), life style modification (n=14, 13.7%), and financial weakness (n=9, 8.8%). Pearson’s correlation of these reasons was between -1 to 0 with p value <0.5. Conclusion: Fear of taking medication lifelong was the major reason for non-adherence; however, age and comorbid health conditions like diabetes have a significant effect on adherence to medication. Health care awareness and counseling can help these patients to overcome the fear of taking medication for lifetime, which can increase the medication compliance rate.


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