Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the associated behavioral risks factors among the staff of three secondary schools in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Objective: The prevalence of type 2 Diabetes is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, hence the need for early identification of risk factors. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the associated behavioral risks among secondary school staff in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 118 staff at three secondary schools in Owo was conducted using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Demographic and clinical data were obtained as well as fasting or random blood glucose measurements using standard methods. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 21.0.Results: The mean age of participants was 43 ± 8 years, 59.3% were females. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was found in 2.8% of the participants, 18.5% were hypertensive, 22.0% were Obese while 25.4% had abdominal obesity. In all, 13.6% smoke cigarette, 35.6% drank alcohol, 49.2% does not add at least a spoonful of vegetable to their meals, 27.1% does not engage in physical exercise while 78.0% do not eat fruits at least once a day. About 58.4% of the respondents had at least one risky behaviour. More male respondents (22.9%) had a self-perceived risk of Diabetes Mellitus (p=0.001), 40.0% of female respondents had abdominal obesity (p<0.001). Correlation (r=0.347) exist between Waist/Hip ratio and random blood glucose, (p=0.012)Conclusion: Despite low prevalence of diabetes mellitus, many had at least one risky behaviour. Intensifying efforts on educating the general population on the risk factors for Diabetes Mellitus and lifestyle modification is important.Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, behavioural risk factors, lifestyle, blood pressure, obesit

Prevalence and predictors of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in a semi-urban Nigerian community: A cross-sectional study

Background: The uptake of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is low globally including Nigeria despite its benefits and interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of EBF among mothers in a semiurban Nigerian community. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among nursing mothers attending the immunization clinic at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State. A semi-structured questionnaire containing the World Health Organization’s indicators for assessing breastfeeding practices was used for data collection. Results: A total of 386 mothers were recruited with a mean age of 30.8 ± 5.0 years. Among them, 149 (36.8%) were below 30 years, 345 (89.4%) have had ANC visit at least four times, and 259 (67.1%) had initiated breastfeeding immediately after delivery. The prevalence of EBF was 52.6%. Natural feeds were the common feeds introduced after 6 months among 159 (78.3%) mothers. One hundred and forty-four  (62.1%) nursing mothers aged 30 years or older practiced EBF compared to 72 (48.3%) persons below 30  years (X2 = 6.290, p = 0.012). Also, 38 (70.3%) mothers who have delivered four or more children practiced  EBF compared to 180 (54.2%) with fewer children (X2 = 5.437, p = 0.020). Nursing mothers aged  30 years or older had 36% higher odds of practicing EBF compared to younger persons (Adjusted  Odds Ratio = 1.358, 95%CI = 0.886 – 2.081, p = 0.160). Conclusion: To achieve the WHO recommended target of ensuring that 90% of nursing mothers practice EBF, advocacy and health education must be intensified