THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION, OBESITY, DIABETES AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG PUBLIC HEALTH WORKERS IN CENTRAL PROVINCE, SRI LANKA

Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension, obesity, overweight, diabetes and job satisfaction among public health workers in the Central province, Sri Lanka. This cross sectional study was conducted in three districts in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Data were collected from public health workers (PHW) (n= 336). BMI, blood pressure and random blood sugar were measured. General information and self-reported job satisfaction and coping strategies were collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Mean age of PHW was 42.5 (SD 10.3, CI=95%). There were 302 females (89%) in the group. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among PHW were 29. 5% and 16.4% respectively. Among the group 26.4 % individuals (n=89) were hypertensive and 21 (6%) individuals were living with diabetes. 57.1% of individuals (n=192) reported with moderate pressure on their work. Extremely satisfied, very satisfied and moderately satisfied unsatisfied and not at all satisfied were 31.5%, 61%, 5.4 %, 1.2% and 0.6 respectively. Field work, work load, working environment, income were found to be as the common sources for stressful circumstances at work. Study revealed that overweight and obesity prevalence among public health workers in the Central Province is considerable. Significant amount of public health workers were hypertensive and living with diabetes. More than half from the group had a moderate satisfaction with their job.&nbsp

Concurrent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia and pyomyositis in a patient with dengue hemorrhagic fever: a case report

Abstract Background Concurrent presence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), tropical pyomyositis and septicemia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a previously healthy person has never been reported. These three conditions even individually are potentially fatal. “Here we describe a case of a patient contracting dengue and developing DHF along with concurrent pyomyositis likely to be due to MRSA, leading to MRSA septicemia with abscesses formed by MRSA”. Case presentation A 44-year old previously healthy Sinhalese man presented on day 3 of the illness with fever, headache, arthralgia and myalgia and watery loose stools. His pulse rate was 76/min, blood pressure was 110/80 mmHg, while cardiovascular, respiratory and abdomen examination findings were unremarkable. The test for the dengue NS1 antigen was positive on the same day. We have diagnosed dengue and started managing him symptomatically as per the current national guidelines. The patient developed DHF with bilateral pleural effusion and ascitis. On the day 5 he developed severe myalgia, tenderness and non pitting edema of lower limbs especially in the thighs. His creatine kinase levels were high and an ultrasound scan confirmed myositis of both thighs. We suspected myositis due to dengue but investigated for possible simultaneous sepsis as well. On day 9 his blood culture became positive for MRSA. Considering the sensitivity of the bacteria intravenous vancomycin and ciprofloxacin was administered for 21 days. He developed a small abscess at the site of the first intravenous access and a large one above the ankle on the left. On day 12 the latter was drained and the pus culture yielded MRSA sensitive to the same antibiotics. The rapid test for dengue IgM was negative initially but later a positive MAC-ELISA test entrenched dengue infection. After improvement he was sent home on day 33 of the illness. He has developed two other abscesses in the proximity of the drained one and they were drained on day 57. The patient recovered. Conclusions When dengue patients develop symptoms and signs of myositis, prompt investigations for pyomyositis and the treatment can save lives