Risk factors of home injury among elderly people in Malaysia

Background: Home injuries among elderly people are a public health concern. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of home injuries among elderly people in Malaysia. Methods: The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2006 was carried out from April to July 2006. The sample was proportional to population size and selected in 2 stages. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a validated questionnaire. Only injuries occurring within the previous year were included to avoid recall bias. The types of home injury, places where the injuries occurred, ability to work after the injury, and hospital admission were recorded, as were demographic variables such as sex, age, marital status, ethnicity, and residential area. Results: Of 4842 respondents aged ≥60 years, 279 (5.8%) had experienced some kind of home injury within the previous year. The most common types of injury were fall (n=205), cuts (n=43), and being struck by objects (n=14). The most common injury locations were the kitchen (n=81), garden (n=65), bathroom/toilet (n=45), living room (n=26), bedroom (n=22), and stairs (n=21). Home injury rates were significantly higher among women than men (7.4% vs. 3.9%, p<0.001). Married elderly people were less likely to have a home injury than divorced/widowed or single elderly people (4.9% vs. 8.0% vs. 8.0%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that women (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.37-2.55) and respondents aged 70-74 years (adjusted OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.02-2.07) were more likely to sustain a home injury. Conclusion: With the increase in the elderly population, home injury prevention programmers are urgently needed

Hepatoprotective effect of stem of Musa sapientum Linn in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

Methods. The study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of central stem of Musa sapientum (AqMS) against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were divided into six groups. Group I served as normal control. Group II, III, IV, V &amp; VI were administered CCl4 mixed with olive oil 1:1 (1.5 mL/kg) I.P., twice a week for 5 weeks. Group II was maintained as CCl4 intoxicated control. Group III, IV and V received AqMS at a dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg. Group VI received silymarin 100 mg/kg for 5 weeks orally once daily. Marker enzymes of hepatic functions estimated in serum were AST, ALT and ALP. Antioxidant parameters estimated were MDA and GSH in blood and liver and SOD in blood, after fifth week, animals were sacrificed, livers dissected out and evaluated for histomorphological changes.Results. There was significant rise in AST, ALT and ALP in CCl4 intoxicated control group II. Treatment with AqMS prevented rise in levels of these enzymes. There was significant rise in MDA and fall in GSH in blood and liver in group II, indicating increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress upon CCl4 ad-ministration. Treatment with AqMS prevented rise in MDA &amp; increased GSH in treated group. SOD levels were decreased in group II while groups treated with AqMS showed significant rise (p < 0.05). Maximum hepatoprotective effect was observed with 50 mg/kg dose. Hepatoprotective effect observed with this dose was comparable to standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin. The results of pathological study also support the results of biochemical findings.Conclusion. the results of the present study indicate that stem of Musa sapientum possess hepatoprotective effect and probably it is due to it’s antioxidant property