Effect of Obesity on the Traditional and Emerging Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in African American Women

Background: Obesity is a growing health care concern with cardiovascular disease (CVD) implications. African American women (AAW) have the highest prevalence rate of obesity and highest CVD morbidity and mortality rate of all ethnic groups. The traditional CVD risk factors have not been sufficient to explain this disparity in disease prevalence and outcomes. Current knowledge is limited regarding the interaction between various levels of adiposity and both traditional and emerging CVD risk factors, particularly in AAW. This study sought to explore these interactions. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational analysis of 48 AAW ages 18 to 45 who had no known history of CVD. Participants completed a demographic/health history questionnaire and 7-Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire. Anthropometric assessment of height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-hip-ratio were determined. An average of two resting blood pressures was taken. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Fasting blood levels were drawn of traditional (glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides) and emerging risk factors (fibrinogen, high density C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1], E-selectin, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI], and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1]). Prediabetes and diabetes were determined based on the American Diabetes Association criteria. Normal values for lipids were based on Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines. Reference lab norms were used for fibrinogen (\u3c 350 mg/L), hs-CRP (\u3c 2 mg/L), and PAI-1 (\u3c 28 mg/mL). Normative values for QUICKI, sICAM-1, and E-selectin have not yet been established, thus cut-points used for these tests were from previous research studies. Analyses included descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square, and Spearman’s correlation analysis. An alpha level of 0.05 was set a priori for statistical significance. Results: Only 4.17% of our participants reported a history of diabetes and hypertension. The most common traditional risk factor identified was physical inactivity (72.92%), followed by a positive family history of CVD (58.3%). Obesity, defined as a measured BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, was present in 56.25%. All of our participants had insulin resistance, and 56.25% had elevated fibrinogen levels. Our findings indicated that the obese weight group had a higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.0002) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.0007), and lower HDL-c (p = 0.01) and higher triglyceride levels (p=0.02) than the normal weight group. The obese group had significantly higher levels of hs-CRP (p = 0.002) and fibrinogen (p=0.01) compared to the normal weight groups. Compared to the normal weight group, the obese group had significantly more CVD risk factors (6.9 vs. 4.1, p \u3c 0.05). Conclusion: Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of both the emerging and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in AAW without a previous history of CVD. Physical inactivity is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor in this population. Focused intervention on obesity and physical inactivity could provide substantial reduction in CVD morbidity and mortality among AA

Town Union and Community Development: Contributions of Nzuko-Arochukwu to the socio-economic growth of Arochukwu, 1981-2017

Attempts on community development have been viewed from top-bottom approach, this is responsible for the little gains recorded with national programmes towards community development; hence the need for community participation. This study focuses on the contributions of Nzuko-Arochukwu to the socio-economic growth of Arochukwu. This umbrella body of the Aro has played a pivotal role in the infrastructural, economic, social and political transformation of Arochukwu, a society with rich historical and cultural narratives. Just like other towns in Igbo land, the impact of the Nigerian - Biafra war on Arochukwu was severe leading to massive infrastructural decay. The study appraises the concept of community development using the workings of Nzuko-Arochukwu to explore the prospects of town unions and their challenges in developing their communities. The study used the qualitative method based on critical analysis of events from facts available to the researchers emphasizing the combination of primary and secondary sources which include the use of books and journals. The study adopted the community action theory modeled by Paulo Freire which emphasizes on mobilization for community development. The evidence from these sources indicates that Nzuko-Arochukwu has contributed to the socio-economic growth of Arochukwu through construction of roads, provision of potable water, engaged in peace and conflict resolutions in Arochukwu and Aro settlements, educational projects, construction of health centres, completion of the age long Arochukwu civic centre, empowering the community with skills acquisition programmes including the disbursement of low interest loans through the Arochukwu Microfinance Bank and most importantly, the establishment of the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu. It was observed that Nzuko-Arochukwu has contributed to the socio-economic growth of the town by mobilizing her people to engage in socio-economic projects. Poor finances, inadequate communication between the leaders and the people and unnecessary rivalry are some of the identified challenges militating against the performance of Nzuko-Arochukwu. The study recommends a closer relationship with government and other town unions for exchange of ideas on community development, engaging members of the community and proper mobilization of the Aro people at home and in diaspora for a better and productive town union. Keywords: Development, Community, Arochukwu, Mobilization, Community leadershi

Financial Inclusion And Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises (Msmes) Development In Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of financial inclusions of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for evaluation of the model is the multiple linear regression method. This choice of method is necessitated by the nature of the study which in this case is an analysis of relationship among variables. The statistical methods used included Unit root test, the Co-integration test and error correction model. Data was sourced from CBN statistical Bulletin 1981-2019. The results show that, whereas financial inclusion positively and significantly impacts the operations and development of MSMEs, distance to financial services, access points and infrastructural deficiency challenged fast and effective access to financial services by MSMEs in Nigeria. The study recommends that deliberate efforts should be made to spread access points to more rural areas and improve infrastructure to promote FI. This should include a policy roadmap for expanding financial services access points to unbanked and underserved areas using the financial services geospatial ma

A Five-Year Review of Hysterosalpingographic Findings at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

BackgroundInfertility leads to stigmatization, marital instability, and enormous psychological stress. In recent times in Nigeria, there appears to be an upsurge in the number of couples investigated for infertility using hysterosalpingography (HSG). ObjectiveTo observe the trend of HSG findings at a foremost tertiary hospital in Nigeria. MethodsThe study was a retrospective assessment of HSG reports by radiologists. Using an inclusion criteria of patients who had an initial ultrasound scan prior to HSG as noted from radiologists reports, a sample size of 623 radiographs concluded between April 2014 to April 2019 was consecutively enlisted from a population of 2,624 cases. Patients’ demographic information was extracted from their request cards and radiologists’ reports. ResultsPatients were aged 22 – 54 (mean: 36.30 ± 6.00) years. Findings from hysterosalpingography showed that secondary infertility was more prevalent (n = 469, 75.3 %) and with fibroid (n = 176, 28.25%) as the most prevalent abnormality.ConclusionsThere were more cases of secondary infertility presenting for HSG at the facility, and the major finding was fibroid. Although the ages of patients presenting for HSG investigations at the centre had increased, secondary infertility remained the more prevalent type, but with minimal drop in percentage. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2022;5(1):55-6

Modeling the impact of complexity on transportation

Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2012.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 74-75).This thesis aimed to understand the drivers of total transportation costs during supply chain complexity events, in particular new product launches, in a fast moving consumer goods company in the United States. The research specifically investigated which of the four key transportation cost drivers (line haul rates, length of haul, frequency of loads and regional factors) changed the most during a new product launch. The analysis showed that the main driver of transportation costs during a new product launch (for our case study) is the length of haul. This finding was used to further investigate how the allocation of transportation to factories within the distribution network affects the length of haul (and therefore total transportation costs) during a new product launch. The analysis also reveals that effective enforcement of line haul rates alone (with transport carriers) do not guarantee low transportation costs during new product launches. The total system transportation cost in 2011 was compared with the lowest cost mix of factories by transportation allocation. This cost comparison was done on the basis of the cost-to-serve each wholesaler in the distribution network. A model was then developed which can be used to predict the changes in transportation costs during supply chain complexity events, including specific variability. This research also revealed that total transportation costs (in the distribution network) increase significantly during complexity events and that the highest variability occurred in the high season for each launch location.by Jose A. Fernandez and Henry N. Okafor.M.Eng.in Logistic

Context Matters: A Community-Based Study of Urban Minority Parents’ Views on Child Health

Background: Among children, there are substantial ethno-racial minority disparities across a broad range of health-related behaviors, experiences, and outcomes. Addressing these disparities is important, as childhood and adolescence establish health trajectories that extend throughout life. Methods: The current study employed a community-based participatory research approach to gain community insight on child health priorities and to frame an intervention aimed at improving the health of minority children. Eight focus groups were conducted among seventy-five African American parents in a Southeastern city. The current study was guided by an ecological theoretical framework. Results: Although the focus of this investigation was on community identification of child health priorities, participants cited, as root determinants, contextual factors, which included lack of healthy food options, lack of spaces for physical activity, and community violence. These co-occurring factors were related to limited engagement in outdoor activities and physical activity, increased obesity, and poor mental health and coping. Poor parenting was cited as the most substantial barrier to improving child health outcomes, and quality parenting was identified as the most important issue to address for community programs focused on promoting the health and success of children. For improving health outcomes for children in their neighborhoods, establishment of positive social capital and constructive activities were also cited. Conclusions: These results reinforce social determinants of health as influences on child health outcomes and describe how community engagement can address potential solutions through interventions that resonate with program participants

Utilization of a Community-based Participatory Approach to Design and Implement a Peer-led Parenting Pilot Intervention to Influence Child Nutritional and Physical Activity Behaviors

Parents and primary child guardians within the household play critical roles in shaping their children’s nutritional and physical activity behaviors, which are among the individual-level determinants of childhood obesity and other chronic conditions. There are well-established correlations between race, socioeconomic status and the risk for obesity calling for both contextually- and individual-centered interventions that are community-driven. The Using Quality Parenting (UQP) pilot intervention was a peer-led, parenting education intervention developed in collaboration with community residents in Atlanta, Georgia to influence child nutritional and physical activity behaviors in African American low socioeconomic status communities. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework was used to conduct a mixed-methods needs assessment designed to the UQP curriculum. The UQP program targeted parents of children ages 6-14. The overarching aim was to increase quality parenting and address community identified child obesity disparities and inequities in early and middle childhood. The topics pertaining to parenting to children’s health/well-being addressed by the UQP included nutrition, physical activity, socio-emotional development, positive parenting, coping skills, child advocacy, and community development. Analyses were conducted using PSAW 18 statistical software. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, means, standard deviations, and ranges for the individual survey items were conducted. A t-test was performed comparing pre- and post-program participation. A repeated measure analysis of variance was conducted on the items that demonstrated a significant t-test. The analytic sample was composed of 46 African American parents, with over 50% of the sample earning an annual household income of $25,000 or less. Participating parents reported significantly higher levels of water consumption for their children post-program in comparison to pre-test reports (p = .010). Additionally, based on t-test analyses, parents reported that their children consumed significantly higher levels of proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables at each meal, post-program (p=0.03). These findings highlight the potential efficacy of community-informed, parent-led interventions in improving health disparities and related outcomes for children

Racial Justice in Housing Finance: A Series on New Directions

The enclosed essays speak from a range of diverse viewpoints to explore how housing finance can be harnessed towards the ends of residential integration, equitable investment, and housing security, rather than purely for profit. Our authors offer ideas across a spectrum of proposed reforms. They describe how aspects of our current housing finance system derive from, or fail to correct for, our deep history of structural racism; they propose concrete steps toward re-engineering our current regulatory structure and housing programs to better advance equity, including addressing the particular harms of racial segregation; and they argue for expanded social housing and other visionary reforms

The Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey, data from 13,310 farm households in 21 countries

The Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) is a standardized farm household survey approach which collects information on 758 variables covering household demographics, farm area, crops grown and their production, livestock holdings and their production, agricultural product use and variables underlying standard socio-economic and food security indicators such as the Probability of Poverty Index, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, and household dietary diversity. These variables are used to quantify more than 40 different indicators on farm and household characteristics, welfare, productivity, and economic performance. Between 2015 and the beginning of 2018, the survey instrument was applied in 21 countries in Central America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The data presented here include the raw survey response data, the indicator calculation code, and the resulting indicator values. These data can be used to quantify on- and off-farm pathways to food security, diverse diets, and changes in poverty for rural smallholder farm households