Nutritional status survey of preschool children in Kuwait

The nutritional status of 645 male and 635 female preschool children in Kuwait was assessed. Mothers were interviewed to collect data on socioeconomic variables. The length/height and body weight of the children were recorded and haemoglobin concentration was determined. The results show that 11.5% of the boys and 9.9% of the girls were stunted;the prevalence of wasting was fairly similar in both sexes [10.1%-10.9%]. Obesity was more prevalent in girls [18.4%] than boys [16.1%]. Anaemia was more prevalent in boys [32.9%] than girls [25.8%]. Factors such as birth order, family income and mother’s education and employment were found to affect the prevalence of undernutrition

Prevalence and correlates of Helicobacter pylori infection among under-five children, adolescent and non-pregnant women in Nepal: Further analysis of Nepal national micronutrient status survey 2016

Most of the Helicobacter pylori infections occur in developing countries. The risk factors for H. pylori infections are poverty, overcrowding, and unhygienic conditions, which are common problems in under-privileged countries such as Nepal. Despite having a high risk of H. pylori infections, no national level study has been conducted to assess prevalence and correlates of H. pylori infection in Nepal. Therefore, we hypothesized that micronutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 deficiency, socio-economic status, and nutritional status correlate with the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Nepal. We studied prevalence and correlates of H. pylori infection among under-five children, adolescents aged 10–19 years and married women of reproductive age (aged 20–49 years) using data from the Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey 2016 (NNMSS-2016). H. pylori infection was examined in stool specimens of 6–59 months old children, and 20–49 years old non-pregnant women by using a rapid diagnostic kit while blood samples was used to assess the H. pylori infection among adolescent boys and girls. Prevalence of H. pylori infection was 18.2% among 6–59 months old children, 14% among adolescent boys and 16% among adolescent girls aged 10–19 years; and 40% among 20–49 years non-pregnant women. Poor socioeconomic status, crowding, and unhygienic condition were found to be positively associated with higher incidence of H. pylori infections. No significant correlation was observed between nutritional and micronutrients status (iron or risk of folate deficiency) and H. pylori infection. Findings from this study suggest that poverty-associated markers are primary contributors of H. pylori infections in Nepalese communities. To control acquisition and persistence of H. pylori infection in Nepal, we suggest improved management of safe drinking water and implementation of sanitation and hygiene programs, with a focus on those of lower socioeconomic status.

Health-oriented optimization strategies of coastal fitness environment in Qingdao

Under the initiative of “co-construction and sharing, health for all”, the natural condition of coastal area in Qingdao becomes the key area of the national fitness. Based on the health-oriented theory, authors analyze the health-oriented connotation of the coastal fitness environment, and suggest that the realization of health-oriented coastal fitness environment needs to meet the spatial demand of health-oriented behaviors and health behaviors. These behaviors should maintain accessibility and friendliness. Based on the present status survey and IPA analysis, it is concluded that the continuity and gradual changes are in urgent need of improvement, followed by smoothness, then convenience and recognizability need to update. Therefore, in combination with the acceptable time and distance, authors put forward specific optimization strategies from four aspects. That is, coastal fitness environment in Qingdao can be improved by network of coastal footpaths, intelligent management of color lightings, reasonable connecting of road materials and humanized and recognizable fitness site, in order to promote residents’ health activities and national fitness.

Chất lượng cuộc sống của sinh viên năm thư nhất, trường Đại học Thăng Long năm học 2018 - 2019 và một số yếu tố liên quan

Nghiên cứu mô tả cắt ngang được thực hiện trên 400 sinh viên năm thứ nhất, Trường Đại học Thăng Long năm học 2018 - 2019 sử dụng cách chọn mẫu thuận tiện. Thông tin được thu thập bằng bộ câu hỏi SF12 (12 – item Health Status Survey) theo hình thức phát vấn. Dữ liệu được nhập bằng phần mềm Epidata 3.0 và xử lý bằng SPSS 20.0. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy, điểm trung bình chất lượng cuộc sống chung của sinh viên là 67,5 ± 16,4. Điểm trung bình về lĩnh vực hoạt động thể chất cao nhất (79,0 ± 23,9), tiếp đến là cảm giác đau cơ thể (78,3 ± 18,3), chức năng vận động (77,7 ± 36,7), hoạt động xã hội (74,6 ± 22,1), cảm xúc (63,7 ± 42,5), sức khỏe tinh thần (59,0 ± 15,9), sức sống (52,3 ± 20,1) và lĩnh vực sức khoẻ chung (46,1 ± 21,3). Có 45,7% sinh viên có chất lượng cuộc sống trung bình, 38,5% có chất lượng cuộc sống cao, 15,0% sinh viên có chất lượng cuộc sống thấp và 0,8% sinh viên có chất lượng cuộc sống rất thấp. Chất lượng cuộc sống của sinh viên năm thứ nhất liên quan có ý nghĩa thống kê với giới tính, tuổi, tình trạng ốm/tai nạn, tình trạng mắc các bệnh mạn tính, trải qua sự kiện gây ra căng thẳng và hành vi sử dụng rượu bia.