scholarly journals Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors amongst Teaching Staff of Juba University, South Sudan

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Amegovu Kiri Andrew ◽  
Mawadri Micheal ◽  
Mading James

Obesity is a significant contributing factor in the development of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, osteoarthritis and certain cancer accounting for 2.8 million worldwide deaths annually. Recent global figures indicate that the prevalence of obesity is not just a problem of the developed countries but is also on the increase in the developing world, with over 115 million people suffering from obesity-related problems (WHO). In Africa, 8% of adults above 20 years are obese and 27% overweight (Steyn & Mchiza, 2014), Lack of empirical data remains an obstacle in monitoring the magnitude of current and future trends of overweight and obesity in sub Saharan Africa including South Sudan. This study investigated the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors among teaching staff; a case at University of Juba in South Sudan (Rep). A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 196 study participants drawn from various Colleges and faculties of Juba University using multi-stage systematic random sampling of 1st selecting the College, department and 2nd stage was the selection of participants using the exiting staff list obtained from the University administration. Key variables collected includes weight/kg, height, age, sex, physical activities, feeding habits and income of the study participants, which was used to determine the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors. STATA version 12 was used to data analyze. Chi-square statistics were used to compare equality of distribution of obesity. Out of the 196 participants, 18.4% were males (160/196) and 81.6% were females (36/196). The mean age of the participant was estimated at 37 ± 8.5 years. Prevalence of Obesity (BMI> or=30) and Overweight (BMI >25 to <=30) among teaching staff was 4.1% and 10.2%, respectively. Of those found overweight/or obese, 20% were females (4/20) and  80% were males (16/20). While the age specific prevalence indicates obesity is highest among 35-44yrs (50%), followed by 45-55 yrs+ (37.5%) and 12.5% among 25-34yrs age groups. Age was found to be associated with obesity (P-value=0.0337, p<0.05)).Meal frequency was noted to be twice a day. Walking is the main physical activities for both males and females (97.5%) and nearly half of the participants (44.9%) had incomes 7500 South Sudan Pounds (SSP) an equivalent of $1000. Income levels was associated with BMI levels (P-value=0.0222; p<0.05). However, low prevalence of obesity among teaching staff at the University of Juba is not yet of an immediate public health concern, however, earlier preventive and control measures is required as most of the staff leads sedentary lifestyle. This study recommends public awareness intervention on dietary intake and physical exercises among others in schools and institutions at all levels to curtail an otherwise gradual rise in obesity and overweight in the near future. 

Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Animen Ayehu ◽  
Yibeltal Aschale ◽  
Wossenseged Lemma ◽  
Animut Alebel ◽  
Ligabaw Worku ◽  
...  

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in sesame and sorghum growing areas. Compared to other populations, labor migrants are the most exposed. Knowing the seroprevalence ofLeishmania donovaniand associated risk factors is essential to design appropriate control measures. The main aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers and associated risk factors in agricultural camps of West Armachiho district, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the seroprevalence and associated risk factors ofL. donovaniinfection.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 laborers from October to December 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from selected agricultural camps. After obtaining written informed consent, data were collected using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire using the interview technique. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using the rk39 kit. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated withL. donovaniinfection.Result. Among 185 participants examined using rk39, 14 (7.6%) were seroreactive forL. donovani.Leishmania donovaniinfection had a statistically significant association with sleeping underBalanitestrees (AOR: 4.36, 95%CI: 1.186-16.06), presence of domestic animals near sleeping place (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.25-17.56), and lack of knowledge about VL transmission (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.07-13.47).Conclusion. Seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers in agricultural camps of West Armachiho was low. Prevention measures and health education about risk factors that expose toL. donovaniinfection for the laborers are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Husam Eldin Elsawi Khalafalla ◽  
Mohamed Salih Mahfouz ◽  
Muath Hassan Ibrahim Najmi ◽  
Sayyaf Abdullah Mohammad Najmi ◽  
Qasem Ali Yahya Arishi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is one of the most important factors that affect human health; it reduces the chances of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and depression.OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to measure prevalence of physical activity and to determine the factors affecting the level of physical activity among medical student in Jazan University.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of medical colleges of Jazan University. A random sample of 419 was determined using most recent physical activity prevalence. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.RESULTS: There is a high prevalence of inactivity among study participants (88.1%). Females (91.7%) were more significantly (p value=0.013) inactive than males (83.8%). The most influential barrier perceived by participants is (heavy) academic work as well as lack of places for physical activity; the latter factor being more effective in hindering female students' physical activity.CONCLUSION: Results revealed that the inactivity rate was very high among medical students. The results of this study call for a well-planned intervention at the university level for improving the level of physical activity among university students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Nwankwo B ◽  
◽  
Mumueh KP ◽  
Olorukooba AA ◽  
Usman NO

Background: Computers and other visual display devices have become essential in the present era and have led to a rise in computer-related health problems. Using computers in homes, universities and other institutions has increased output greatly but has also led to an increased risk of developing Computer vision syndrome (CVS). Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with computer vision syndrome among undergraduates. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among153 respondents who were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. A Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between CVS and associated risk factors at a P-value of <0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.4 ± 3.4 years. The prevalence of CVS in this study was 83 (54.3%). The common symptoms experienced among the respondents were headache (51, 61.4%), eye strain (48, 57.8%) and blurred vision (42, 50.6%). The risk factors significantly associated with CVS in this study were duration of computer use, hours of computer use per day, level of a computer screen and taking breaks during computer use. Conclusion: About half of the students in this study had at least one symptom of CVS. Therefore, awareness of CVS should be created by the institution during which students would be educated on CVS and its prevention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36
Author(s):  
Seyi Samson Enitan ◽  
Joan Odigie ◽  
Oluyemisi Ajike Adekunbi ◽  
Okondu Ogechukwu Emmanuel ◽  
Nwachi Idume Ogbonna ◽  
...  

This cross-sectional, institutional-based study aimed to determine the prevalence of shigellosis and associated risk factors among Babcock University students in Ogun State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty (120) undergraduate students, 80 females and 40 males, were asked to provide stool specimen in a sterile leak-proof single-use universal bottle with a screw-capped lid. Standard microbiological techniques were used to analyse the stool samples. A questionnaire was designed to collect demographic and clinical information from participants. The data obtained were statistically analysed using the SPSS Statistics software (version 18.0). The study showed that there was no occurrence of shigellosis among the study participants (0%), but other enteric pathogens infection were present in all participants (100%). The three most common mono-infections found among the study participants included Staphylococcus aureus (40%), followed by Escherichia coli (16.7%), and Salmonella typhi and Bacillus spp. (3.3%, each). While the most common prevalence of dual-infections included Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (33.3%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi (3.3%). The proportion of participants who were asymptomatic (66.7%) was significantly higher than the symptomatic ones (33.3%). Identified risk factors of non-Shigella enteric infection included consumption of beef, vegetables, fruits, poultry/poultry products, as well as street foods, poor hand hygiene before eating, anal cleaning, and poor hand hygiene after toileting. Although shigellosis did not exist among undergraduate students of Babcock University, this study highlighted the existence of other enteric infections among the study participants. Therefore, the necessary preventive measures should be ensured and sustained.


Author(s):  
Gorantla Naresh Babu ◽  
P. Jameela ◽  
S. Jafar Sharif ◽  
A. Ramya ◽  
K. Ziyaul Haq ◽  
...  

Aim: Hypertension is a major public health problem worldwide and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The main aim of this study is to assess obesity and overweight in school children and their relationship to hypertension and associated risk factors. Study Design: Population based cross sectional study. Results and Discussion: A total number of 712 students with age group between 7-12 years from different school were screened for their height, weight and body mass index. The present study was aimed to assess obesity and overweight in school children and their relationship to hypertension and associated risk factors.  Under weight and healthy weight children are engaged in physical activities like playing in ground and thus they are healthy where the children who found as overweight and obese were not engaged in physical activities regularly and thus this might be the reason for their overweight and obesity. At the same time the children who found as obese and overweight were said that they were having fast foods twice a day. Conclusion: In order to get rid of these risks and their associated cardiovascular risks, their food habits must be changed and physical activities needs to be improved.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Huang ◽  
Hong Jin ◽  
Hong Zhang ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Xinxing Shi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background China had entered post-elimination era for malaria, however, the imported cases are continuously are a public health concern as the increasing number of cases. In this study we studied the potential predictive factors for prolonged hospital stay for imported malaria patients. Material and Methods We retrospectively collected patients of imported malaria cases data from 2017–2020 in our hospital. we analyzed the data from clinical, epidemiological, geographical, and seasonal points of view, and used cox proportional hazard model to find the predictive factors for prolonged hospital stay. Results We found most of imported cases were from Democratic Republic of the Congo(23%, 34/150) and most cases 74%(26/34) were infected by P. falciparum. Through Edwards Test, no significant seasonality of imported cases were found(χ2 = 2.51 p-value = 0.28). We found bacterial infection(HR = 0.58, p-value = 0.01) and thrombocytopenia(HR = 0.66, p-value = 0.02) were protective factors for discharge, that were, the risk factors for prolonged hospital stay. Conclusions The imported cases are the major risk of malaria in post-elimination era of China. The bacterial infection and thrombocytopenia were the risk factors for prolonged hospital stay.


Author(s):  
Sandeep Kumar ◽  
Astha Chauhan ◽  
Arunoday Kumar ◽  
Siddharth Kumar ◽  
Anjali Gupta ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundDental fluorosis has a negative impact on the facial esthetics of adolescents and is a worldwide oral health concern.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and associated risk factors for dental fluorosis in early adolescents in India.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study carried out on 800 adolescent school children selected from the Jhabua and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. The children were in the of 12–15-year age group. A total of eight schools from both Jhabua and Dhar districts were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire collected information on demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices and various risk factors for dental fluorosis. Water samples were collected from each zone and sent to a laboratory for water fluoride estimation. Dental fluorosis was assessed using the Dean index. Chi-squared (χ2) and logistic regression analysis were performed.ResultsThe overall prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 40.5% in early adolescents. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 45% in the Jhabua district and 36% in the Dhar district. The water fluoride content was found to be the strongest predictor for dental fluorosis followed by the method of water storage.ConclusionDental fluorosis affects a large number of adolescents in both the Jhabua and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh. Effective policies focusing on oral health education and prevention of dental fluorosis need to be drafted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick D. Sagamiko ◽  
Ruth L. Mfune ◽  
Bernard M. Hang’ombe ◽  
Esron D. Karimuribo ◽  
Alfred M. Mwanza ◽  
...  

Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of public health and economic importance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya region between November 2015 and January 2016 to investigate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify associated risk factors among individuals in risky occupations. Methods: A total of 425 humans from six occupational categories were serially tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA), for screening and confirmation, respectively. A questionnaire survey was also administered to participants to collect epidemiological data. Results: The overall seroprevalence among the occupationally exposed individuals was 1.41% (95% CI: 00.64-3.12). Seroprevalence was higher among butcher men 5.6% (95% CI: 1.68-5.26), herds men 1.35% (95% CI: 0.18-9.02); and abattoir workers 1.1% (95% CI: 0.26-4.22) although there was no statistical significance. (P value = .18). Seroprevalence was also higher among men (1.8%) compared to females (0%) (P value = .19). and also, among those aged < 11 years (2.5%). Individuals who consumed raw milk had a higher seroprevalence (1.56%) compared to those who drunk boiled milk while seropositivity was 0.88% among those who assisted animals during parturition (P value = .49). Butcher men were at higher risk of exposure compared to other occupational categories. Our findings show the presence of brucellosis in occupationally exposed individuals in Mbeya region.Conclusion: There is need to sensitize the concerned professions in order to reduce the risk of acquiring Brucella infections from animals and animal products This also calls for public health awareness about the disease, and implementation of measures to prevent further spread of brucellosis within and outside the study area.


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