Impact of dietary patterns, individual and workplace characteristics on blood pressure status among civil servants in Bida and Wushishi communities of Niger State, Nigeria

The global burden estimate of hypertension is alarming and results in several million deaths annually. A high incidence of sudden deaths from cardiovascular diseases in the civil workforce in Nigeria is often reported. However, the associations between Dietary Patterns (DPs), individual, and workplace characteristics of hypertension among this workforce have not been fully explored. This study aimed to identify DP in the Bida and Wushishi Communities of Niger State and establish its relationship with hypertension along with other individual and workplace characteristics. Factor analysis was used to establish DP, Chi-square test to identify their relationships with hypertension, and logistic regression to determine the predictor risk factors. The prevalence of hypertension was 43.7%; mean weight, height, and body fat were: 72.8±15 kg, 166±8.9 mm and 30.4%, respectively. Three DPs: “Efficient Diet,” “Local diet,” and “Energy Boost Diet” were identified. The factor loading scores for these factors were divided into quintiles Q1–Q5; none of them had a significant effect on hypertension status. Conversely, increase in age, the Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) of employment, frequency of eating in restaurants, and obesity were identified as significant risk factors. After adjusting for confounders (age, body mass index, MDA, and eating habits), a high score (Q5) in “efficient diet pattern” was significantly related to a lower likelihood of hypertension than a low score (Q1). The prevalence of hypertension among the participants was relatively very high. An increase in age and working in educational sector were risk factors associated with hypertension. Therefore, it is recommended that civil servants engage in frequent exercise and undergo regular medical checkups, especially as they get older. These findings highlight the need for large-scale assessment of the impact of variables considered in this study on hypertension, among the civil workforce across Niger state and Nigeria

Management of anxiety and depression in haemodialysis patients: the role of non-pharmacological methods

Anxiety and depression in patients undergoing haemodialysis can be reduced by a variety of treatment methods, including pharmacological therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, regular exercise and relaxation techniques, such as Benson’s relaxation method and acupressure treatment. Additionally, intradialytic exercise training programmes have a positive effect on patients’ physical and psychological functioning. Moreover, social support from family and social environment, spirituality and religiosity, tele- nursing programmes and participation in network support groups frequently lead to a reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms in these people. Finally, the provision of education and information to dialysis patients by renal professionals and a systematic psychiatric evaluation of these individuals can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of depressive symptoms. © 2018, Springer Nature B.V

Validation of the activpal in the health promotion context

The health value of an active lifestyle is well recognized. However, the behavioral and psychological correlates of physical activity need further investigation. We hypothesized that physiotherapists are significantly different from non-health related professionals in a) Health Locus of Control and b) physical activity levels as measured by activPALTM (PAL Technologies Ltd) and that physical activity levels are significantly correlated with Health Locus of Control. A convenience sample of 10 physiotherapists and 10 non-health related professionals completed the Health Locus of Control scale and then was monitored by the activPALTM for 24hours. The activPALTM's accuracy, test-retest and inter-instrument reliability was tested in a single participant study. Study design, Cross-sectional study. Physiotherapists were statistically significant more active (p<0,01) than non-health related professionals. Further the odds of having an external Health Locus of Control were 11.6 times as high among non-health related professionals as among physiotherapists. Internals were significantly more active (p<0,05) than externals. The validity of the activPALTM was strongly supported. Physiotherapists were found more active and more often internals than non-health related professionals. A strong influence of Health Locus of Control in daily activities was observed. The results also support the use of the activPALTM as a physical activity measure

Occupation as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neurological disease caused by the compression of the median nerve which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand. It is attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. Occupation is considered as a risk factor for the development of carpal syndrome. More in detail, the main work parameters related to CTS are repetitive and forceful movements while performing a task as well as heavy manual work, specific wrist postures and work with vibrating tools. Diagnosis is based on history record, physical examination and evaluation of symptomatology while the nerve-conduction studies of the median nerve are useful to confirm diagnosis. The syndrome usually responds to conservative measures but surgical operation is not a rare alternative choice. Though last decades, cconsiderable advances were made in understanding CTS pathophysiology, however, prevention still plays a vital role on limiting the expansion of syndrome, thus reducing not only the economic burden on the Health System of each country but also the disastrous consequences on the individual's life. © PHARMAKON-Press

Physiotherapy treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome after surgical intervention

The Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) consists the most frequent peripheral neuropathy caused due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Various factors contribute to the manifestation of carpal tunnel syndrome, including the anatomy of the wrist, patterns of hand use or any other underlying health problems. The dominant hand is usually affected first, while the main symptoms are severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. This syndrome is associated with significant disability, thus increasing the cost of health care services and insurance resources. Physiotherapy has beneficial effects on the treatment of the Carpal tunnel syndrome. More in detail, physiotherapy following Carpal tunnel surgery involves immobilization using carpal tunnel splints, shoulder exercises including muscle strengthening as well as exercises aiming at maintaining the range of motion of fingers and regaining normal function of the entire upper extremity. Exercise programs should be an integral part of rehabilitation

Low back pain psychosocial risk factors

Introduction: Low back pain is currently a major health problem for the western societies as it usually leads to inability to work, use of health services and sick leaves. Psychosocial work characteristics are considered possible risk factors for the development of low back pain. Objectives: Aim of the present study was to reveal, based on the employee's self report, possible relation between psychosocial work factors and low back pain presence. Subjects and Methods: Three hundred and sixty five office employees (civil servants) was the sample for this descriptive study in which relations and frequencies of psychosocial characteristics and low back pain were examined via the modified Michigan questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows (version 11.5). Results: Completed questionnaires were obtained from 294 employees, 22% of who (66) were male and 78% (228) female. University graduates were 77% (199) of the responders, 1% (2) were University and Technological Institution graduates, 5% (14) were Technological Institution graduates, 17% (43) were High School graduates, only one person had completed the third class of secondary education and only one person the primary education. A percentage of 19% (57) of the responders related the presence of low back pain with their occupation, whereas 81% (238) not. A percentage of 56% (151) were sufficiently satisfied from their occupation, 6% (15) not at all, 23% (63) a little, and 15% (41) a lot. The persons of the subgroup a little-not at all-sufficiently experiencing low back pain were more than those without pain (p=0.006). A percentage of 45% (132) replied that their occupation demands to be creative, whereas 55% (163) replied the opposite. No statistically significant difference was found regarding the presence of low back pain between the two groups (p=0.77). 229 responders (78%) recognized that their work does not have the quality which they excepted when they first started, while 66 (22%) replied the opposite. 130 employees from the 229 reported low back pain while 99 not, and 27 employees from the 66 reported pain while 39 not (p=0.02). As regards the frequency that the responders had been angry because of things happening out of their control in work, 48% of the 273 employees had been sometimes, 18% almost never, 15% frequently, 12% never and 7% very often. The persons of the subgroup frequently-very often who experienced pain were more than those of the subgroup never-almost never-sometimes (p=0.002). Sixty six percent (66%) of the responders replied that they were not in danger of losing their job, whereas 34% had the fear of release. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the presence of low back pain (p=0.94). 114 responders replied that during the previous month they had felt anxiety and stress sometimes, whereas just 9 persons never. No statistically significant difference was found regarding the presence of low back pain between the two groups (p=0.20). Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that work quality, work satisfaction and work related anger are related to the presence of low back pain

First isolation of Legionella species, including L. pneumophila serogroup 1, in Greek potting soils: possible importance for public health

A total of 21 Legionella isolates were recovered from six out of 22 samples of potting soil from the Athens area, Greece. Legionella pneumophila (serogroups 1 and 2-15) and species and serotypes included in the group of L. longbeachae serogroups 1 and 2, L. bozemanii serogroups 1 and 2, L. dumoffii, L. gormanii, L. jordanis, L. micdadei and L. anisa were isolated on BCYE alpha agar containing cysteine, GVPC and natamycin and on BCYE alpha agar containing cysteine, Wadowsky Yee supplement and natamycin. The bacterial load was 4000-120 000 CFU/g of potting soil. The isolation of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 from Greek potting soils is reported here for the first time