Prevalence, patterns of clinical presentation, and the outcome of treatment of diabetes mellitus among paediatric patients in a tertiary care facility

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multi-systemic disease condition characterized by elevated blood glucose level which can be due to relative or absolute deficiency of insulin secretion or action or a combination of both in humans including paediatric patients which disproves the thought that it is a disease of adults alone. Methods: The study was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional full population study that involved getting the total population of 7880 paediatric patients that presented to the hospital facility within 3-years (from January 2019-December 2021) and from the total population getting the patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. A well-structured proforma was used to collect the relevant data needed from the case files of the patients. Statistical data analysis was done with SPSS version 25. Results: The study showed that out of 7880 paediatric patients that presented to the facility, 20 of them were diagnosed and treated for diabetes mellitus giving a prevalence of 0.25 per 100 patients. The paediatric patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus were aged 8-18years; 11 females and 9 males. This study showed that about 75.0% of the paediatric patients with DM fully recovered following treatment and was subsequently discharged; however about 95% of these patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Adequate measures needs to be put in place to ensure that the management of these patients are highly optimal and does not constitute much financial burden to the caregivers, in order to improve compliance to treatment and hence reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the condition

Riding under the influence: unravelling substance abuse patterns among motorcyclists in South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Drug and substance abuse has been outlined as a worldwide problem that is wreaking havoc on both social and public health across many nations. It is a global problem that affects both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess substance abuse among Okada riders in Nnewi, Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria. Methods: Drug and substance abuse has been outlined as a worldwide problem that is wreaking havoc on both social and public health across many nations. It is a global problem that affects both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess substance abuse among Okada riders in Nnewi, Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria. Results: About 221 Okada riders were assessed. Majority of them were middle aged. The mean age of the respondents were 39.5±11.1 years, with a range of 19-65 years. About 100% of the respondents were aware of substance abuse. Overall 73.3% of the respondents abuse at least a substance, with alcohol recording the highest use with 93.8% prevalence. About 77.2% of the abusers have taken these drugs before driving, and 65.2% have been involved in an accident, however only 5.4% admitted it was as a result of substance used. Conclusions: The prevalence of substances use among Okada riders in Nnewi was high. There was however a high awareness of the negative consequences of use of substance. Non-governmental organizations should target Okada riders for interpersonal communication interventions to help mitigate the use of substances