Oxidative stress among subjects with metabolic syndrome in Sokoto, North.Western Nigeria

Background: Oxidative stress is known to play a role in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome and its components. Racial differences may exist in the level of markers of oxidative stress and antioxidants in patients with metabolic syndrome.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stress and antioxidants status in subjects with metabolic syndrome in Sokoto, North.Western Nigeria.Methods: A cross.sectional community.based study was carried out. Two hundred subjects (96 males and 104 females) were recruited for the study using a multi.stage sampling technique. Demographic data were obtained from the participants. Evaluation of anthropometric variables, blood pressure, blood  glucose levels, lipid profiles, plasma insulin levels, total antioxidant status, and oxidative stress markers was performed.Results: The subjects with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher malondialdehyde as compared to those without metabolic syndrome (236.4 [92.2] vs. 184 [63.2] nmol/l). The antioxidant enzymes  (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) were significantly lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those without metabolic syndrome (11.3 [4.2] vs. 13.9 [4.1] U/ml, 160[42] vs. 220[32] U/ml, and 2.12 [0.2] vs. 2.42 [0.2] U/ml, respectively). Similarly, the antioxidant Vitamins (A, C, and E) levels were significantly lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those withoutmetabolic syndrome (7.1 [4.1] vs. 7.7 [4.2] µmol/L, 225 [55.3] vs. 227.6 [62.3] µmol/L, and 75.9 [13.9] vs. 82.8 [18.6] mg/dl, respectively). There was a positive correlation between components of metabolic syndrome and free radicals.Conclusion: Significantly increased oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant defenses were found among Nigerians with metabolic syndrome.Key words: Antioxidants, metabolic syndrome, oxidative stres

Modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors among residents of Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

Background Majority of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is caused by risk factors that can be controlled, treated or modified, however, there are also some major CVD risk factors that cannot be controlled. The study aimed to assess and profile the modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among residents of Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Methods This is a population‐based study and a descriptive cross‐sectional survey design was utilized for the study. A multi‐stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 902 respondents for the study. A closed‐ended questionnaire was used to collect data on the following: arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, smoking, physical activity, and sociodemographic parameters. These were analyzed with SPSS version 17.0 and result presented with simple table. Results Middle‐aged adult made up 39% of the total respondents followed by those aged between 25 and 39 years that accounted for 35% while the elderly aged 65 years and above constituted just 3.7%. Ten percent were obese (7% of men were obese as compared to 13.6%) and almost one third reported engaging in some physical activities while 7% reported smoking cigarette. Out of 12 respondents that had deranged total cholesterol, 7 were male while 5 females, and while 14 of the men had deranged HDL, 10 women’s HDL was abnormally high. Only two of the men out 88 that had lipid profiling were found to have Dyslipidaemia as against five out 112 women. Conclusion Generally the study reveals the rising prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors however they were more prevalent among elderly respondents aged 65 years and above. There is urgent need of programme that will focus on life style and eating habit in order to reverse the emerging trend of non‐communicable diseases

Prevalence of vaccine preventable diseases and utilization of routine immunizations services by parents of under‐one children in a semi‐urban community of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Introduction Vaccine preventable diseases are categories of diseases that could be prevented by immunization. They affect children of less than five years of age. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of vaccine preventable diseases and utilization of routine immunization services among parents/caregivers of under‐one children in Bodinga town of Sokoto State, Nigeria. Methods The study was community based and a descriptive cross sectional epidemiological study design was used. Four hundred households participated in the survey and were selected using a two stage sampling technique. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire with closed and some open‐ ended questions was used to collect the survey data through face‐to‐face interview. Data collected were entered into computer and analyzed using the SPSS version 23. Results were presented in simple tables for clarity. Results Measles was found to be the most prevalent vaccine preventable diseases in the community, while Hepatitis B has the least prevalence and mortality from these diseases was found to be 3%. Majority of the respondent were aware of Poliomyelitis as vaccine preventable disease and only few were aware of Hepatitis B vaccination. The percentage of fully vaccinated children was very low (4.75%) while about one‐third of the children were not immunized at all. The socio‐cultural factors found to affect the utilization of routine immunization services includes: place of delivery (more for the hospital delivery), educational level and occupation of child’s parent affect positively more especially the mother. The major reason for not taking the children for immunization was Father’s refusal. Conclusion The study revealed that measles is the most prevalent vaccine preventable disease in the study area. The awareness of vaccine preventable diseases was found to be low except for poliomyelitis. Strengthening routine immunization including demand creation programmes is highly recommended

Tobacco consumption prevalence and pattern among residents of Sokoto metropolis, northwest Nigeria

Objective: Tobacco consumption is a global public health problem affecting both developed and developing countries and is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. These deaths have been linked to direct tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. This study determined the prevalence and pattern of tobacco consumption among residents in Sokoto metropolis.Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted in Sokoto metropolis which is cosmopolitan in nature. A multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit the 1,000 survey participants that included both sex. WHO STEPS instrument for chronic disease risk factor surveillance was modified and adopted as a tool for data collection. Ethical clearance was obtained from the State Research Ethics Committee.Results: Respondents’ median age was 30 years, IQR 25-43. Those aged 25-39 years were more represented (45.2%) and adolescence and young adult accounted for 23.1% while elderly constituted 3.7%. Thirty nine percent were unskilled labourers, 11% were traders and top Executive (Civil servants/Business) accounted for 12.4%. Almost half (49%) reported an estimated annual household income of less than N100,000 while 13.2% earned N1,000,000 and above. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 7.1% and the smokers had smoked for an average of 14.3 ± 5.2 years. Ten percent were currently using any form tobacco, while 0.6% reported current use of smokeless tobacco product daily and one third had been exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke in a closed place. Of the respondents’ social demographic, only gender and occupation demonstrated statistically significant association with cigarette smoking, however none did predict their smoking behaviours.Conclusion: Despite efforts to prevent initiation and promote cessation, cigarette smoking is a common practice that cut across socio-economic stratum. Stringent policies on smoking including delineation of smoking zone should be put in place to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and subsequently burdens of diseases attributed to tobacco consumption.Keywords: Tobacco consumption, pattern and prevalence, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeri